This study is based on an analysis of dispositions of non-domestic low-level assault and fight calls for service in three large municipal police departments (Boston, St. Paul and Nassau County, N.Y.). Accessing data from each of the departments' computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems it compares the dispositions of these calls for service (CFS) by agency. Dispositions were classified for the purpose of indicating whether calls were closed with "no further action" or "further action" (arrest or report). Utilizing census tract data it also provides agency comparisons based on race and income.

The major findings of the study were that there was not a statistically significant difference in the percentage of calls resulting in "further action" between Boston and St. Paul or between Boston and Nassau County. However, Nassau had a statistically significant greater percentage of calls resulting in "further action" compared to St. Paul. The difference between the two departments could not be explained by differences in either racial or income distribution.

Ten tables illustrate the results of the statistical tests conducted, and a discussion regarding the implications of both the results and the research methodology is presented.