Newark LED Streetlight Upgrade Temporarily Reduced Violent Crime, Effect Faded After Six Months
A citywide upgrade to LED streetlights in Newark, New Jersey, initially led to a significant reduction in nighttime violent crime, according to a study by Rutgers-Newark. The research, published in the Journal of Quantitative Criminology, found that violent crime decreased by approximately 46% in the first six months following the installation of over 1,500 LED fixtures between 2019 and 2021. This decline was primarily driven by a reduction in aggravated assaults and robberies. However, the study also revealed that this positive effect was not sustained, as the reduction in crime disappeared after two quarters. Researchers suggest that people may adapt to the new lighting conditions over time, or that streetlight equipment may degrade, leading to less effective illumination. The study, which is unique for its citywide scope, found no evidence that crime was displaced to other areas. The Newark Public Safety Collaborative, in partnership with the Mayor's Office, worked with PSE&G, Rutgers-Newark researchers...