The Relationship of Crime to Oil Development in the Coastal Regions of Louisiana (GM-92-42-80)

BOEMRE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM: ONGOING STUDIES
BOEMRE OCS Region:	Gulf of Mexico
Title:	The Relationship of Crime to Oil Development in the Coastal Regions of Louisiana (GM-92-42-80)
Planning Area:	Central
Total Cost: $110,000	Period of Performance: FY 2000-2008
Conducting Organization:	Coastal Marine Institute, Louisiana State University
BOEMRE Contact:	Dr. Harry Luton
Description: Background: By the end of the 1960’s, the oil industry, including offshore production, was an integral part of the social and economic organization of the coastal regions of Louisiana. While it often has been suggested that the social and economic impact of the oil and gas industry has contributed to various social problems in the region, there has been little systematic research on the subject of crime. Much of the evidence suggesting a connection is anecdotal or speculative in nature, and to the extent that empirical research has been conducted, it has been limited in scope and inconclusive in results.
Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to specify the relationship between patterns of crime and the development of the oil and gas extraction industry in the coastal regions of Louisiana. It will: develop a comprehensive data set to facilitate the research; and analyze that dataset through multi-variate models, time-series analysis, and comparisons with control counties and parishes.
Methods: Crime data from the FBI will be merged with corresponding parish-level social and economic data from the U.S. Census and various state agencies. Oil-involved parishes will be compared and contrasted with noninvolved ones and both will be compared and contrasted to non-Louisiana and U.S. wide trends. Time-series and regression analysis will be used. In addition to the analysis of quantitative data, qualitative information will be gathered from Morgan City and the Grand Isle/Leeville/Port Fourchon area. This information will be used to focus the quantitative models and as an aid in interpretation of results.
Products: A final report.
Importance to BOEMRE: The BOEMRE is mandated by NEPA to analyze the social impacts of OCS development on GOM communities for EIS and EA documents. The issue of crime has been raised as a public concern that BOEMRE should address.
Current Status: A draft report has been reviewed by BOEMRE. The final study report was delivered to BOEMRE (formerly MMS) weeks before hurricane Katrina. BOEMRE has completed in-house editing and is preparing a final report.
Final Report Due:	August 2003
Publications:	Forsyth, C., et al. 2007. “Framing perceptions of oil development and social disruption.” Social Science Journal 44: 287-299. Luthra, A., et al. 2007. “Economic fluctuation and crime: a time-series analysis of the effects of oil development in the coastal regions of Louisiana.” Deviant Behavior 28(2) March: 113-130.
Affiliated WWW Sites:	Louisiana State University, Coastal Marine Institute
Revised date:	April 2011
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