Symmetric and centered binomial approximation of sums of locally dependent random variables

Abstract

Stein's method is used to approximate sums of discrete and locally dependent random variables by a centered and symmetric Binomial distribution. Under appropriate smoothness properties of the summands, the same order of accuracy as in the Berry-Essen Theorem is achieved. The approximation of the total number of points of a point processes is also considered. The results are applied to the exceedances of the $r$-scans process and to the Mat\'ern hardcore point process type I.