DP10994 Residual Deterrence

Author(s):	Francesc Dilmé, Daniel F Garrett
Publication Date:	December 2015
Keyword(s):	deterrence, enforcement, reputation
JEL(s):	C73, K42
Programme Areas:	Industrial Organization
Link to this Page:	cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=10994

Successes of law enforcement in apprehending offenders are often publicized events. Such events have been found to result in temporary reductions in offending, or "residual deterrence". We provide a theory of residual deterrence which accounts for the incentives of both enforcement officials and potential offenders. Our theory rests on the costs of reallocating enforcement resources. In light of these costs, we study the determinants of offending such as the role of public information about enforcement and offending.