UNIVERSAL CASH AND CRIME

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Watson, Brett; Guettabi, Mouhcine; Reimer, Matthew
• 署名单位: University of Alaska System; University of Alaska Anchorage
• 刊物名称: REVIEW OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0034-6535
• DOI: 10.1162/rest_a_00834
• 发表日期: 2020-10
• 页码: 678-689
• 关键词: snap benefits; drug-abuse; consumption; transfers; patterns; alcohol; IMPACT; shocks

摘要

We estimate the effects of universal cash transfers on crime from Alaska's Permanent Fund Dividend, an annual lump-sum payment to all Alaska residents. We find a 14% increase in substance-abuse incidents the day after the payment and a 10% increase over the following four weeks. This is partially offset by an 8% decrease in property crime, with no changes in violent crimes. On an annual basis, however, changes in criminal activity from the payment are small. Estimated costs comprise a very small portion of the total payment, suggesting that crime-related concerns of a universal cash transfer program may be unwarranted.