

The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus produce conditions that cannot otherwise be created, offering researchers an opportunity to develop procedural approximations to true experiments (Fagan, 1990). The differential lockdown of various cities in Romania allows us to observe and measure differences in the naturally occurring conditions (i.e. “the intervention”) and in the criterion behaviors (i.e. law criminal and/or deviant behavior, or the response of criminal justice workers) among subjects in these conditions.
The changes in environmental contingencies that affect criminal and/or deviant behavior, or the actions of the criminal justice system are brought in this case by the military ordinances limiting the movement of the population outside of their homes to the most essential of activities. More specifically, Military Ordinance nr. 6 enacted on 30.03.2020, which instituted the total quarantine of Suceava municipality, in conjunction with 7 adjacent localities: Adâncata, Salcea, Ipotești, Bosanci, Moara, Șcheia, Pătrăuți, and Mitocu Dragomirnei.
Based on data from the Romanian Police force regarding the criminality coefficient, data from the last census regarding the size of the population, the geographic proximity and historical similarities, Suceava and Botoșani municipalities constitute two highly comparable locations where researchers can observe the relative differences in the behavior of citizens and law enforcement alike.
The project can indicate the effect of the intervention, and the effectiveness of the various techniques employed by criminal justice and military personnel on crime rates. Also, it can indicate the effect on the behavior of police officers. These lessons can be used in preparing for the next pandemic.
Team
Lev Fejes, Ph.D.
Silvia Fierăscu, Ph.D.
Ștefan Cibian, Ph.D.
Departments: Research Department, Policy and Outreach Department, Society, Crisis and Resilience Program, Young Researchers Club
Regions: Romania
Topics: Criminology
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