AJ 58 – Community and Human Relations Chapter 9 – Community Crime Prevention

Historical Overview Formal Crime Prevention programs grew in the 1980’s and 1990’s Driven mainly by increased desire to… – Solve problems – Reduce fear of crime – Address “Broken Windows” theory – Use non-traditional approaches/solutions Early efforts called for increased officer-community interactions – More of a “hands-on” approach than traditional methods

Historical Overview (continued) Law Enforcement began to recognize & admit shortcomings of traditional response – Respond – Arrest – Incarcerate Efforts made to increase involvement of… – Community & Social Organizations Civic leaders, business groups, churches, etc. – Other Governmental Agencies Code Enforcement, Mental Health, etc.

Social Disorganization Theory Crime rates higher in “transitional” areas – High levels of population turnover – Impoverished groups replace those able to “move up” in social status Lack of neighborhood structure – Disorder (broken windows) – Lack of social networking (due to frequent turnover) – Rentals vs. home ownership

Social Disorganization Theory (cont’d) Levels of social control – Private Family and social networks – Parochial Churches and schools – Public Police and other government agencies All must work together!!!

Rational Choice Theory Crime results from choices made by criminals – Seems rational to the law breaker Decision to commit crime based on some specific need or purpose – Money, food, drugs, sex, excitement, etc. Criminal chooses victim, time, place, etc. once rewards outweigh risks

Routine Activities Theory Expansion of “Rational Choice Theory” A crime has three elements – Motivated criminal Desire to fulfill a need Acute need = willingness to take greater risk – Valuable target/object Cash, valuables, item able to be sold/traded, etc. – Absence of guardianship Safe and easy target due to lack of “protection” Which of these can be affected by crime prevention efforts?

Social Development Programs Focus on… – Conditions that contribute to crime – Reduction of motivated criminals Crime prevention through social reform – Requires increased governmental resources Community Policing helps develop community alliances and partnerships

Situational Crime Prevention Opportunity-reducing tactics that… – Are directed at specific crimes – Involve systematic/permanent manipulation of immediate environment – Make crime more difficult and risky for criminal – Make potential targets less attractive

CPTED Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design – Potential criminal victimization should be considered when planning buildings and public areas – Designed to “harden” targets Make them more difficult to victimize Resulting increase in social interaction should help to prevent crime – Residential areas, apartments, businesses, etc. – People can look out for each other more easily

CPTED Elements & Tactics Access Control – To only those with legitimate interest to make it more difficult for criminals to enter area – Fences, gates, locks, window bars, etc. – Police become advisors/advocates Target Hardening – Deadbolts, sliding-door blocks, alarm systems – Property ID programs – Limited employee access to safes/cash – Education & training for business owners/employees

CPTED Tactics (continued) Surveillance – Natural surveillance Trained observance, neighborhood watches, etc. – Shrubbery/landscaping control – Lighting – Closed Circuit Television/Video – Undercover personnel

Neighborhood Watches One of the primary tools used by LE Surveillance is the key element of success – Volunteers follow “Observe-and-Report” protocol May assist with other programs – Operation ID, security surveys, improved lighting, etc. Challenges to overcome – Difficult to develop and maintain May result from crime surge, but soon lose interest – Usually in middle/upper class neighborhoods – Require motivated leadership/follow-up from LE

Anti-Drug Campaigns Community members band together to fight drug sales and associated crimes Increased social cohesion (sense of community) may result – People feel as if they are making a difference Possible benefits… – Enhanced police patrols/enforcement – Improved communications and community relations – Connection to Homeland Security Suspicious subjects, explosives, etc.

Public Media Campaigns Take a Bite Out of Crime, Crime Stoppers, America’s Most Wanted, etc. Law Enforcement uses the Media to… – Disseminate crime-related information – Broadcast crime trends/statistics – Request Public assistance – Offer crime-prevention tips Must be cautious about Media sensationalizing crime occurrences – Public may assume problem worse than in reality

Legislative/Administrative Programs Many legislative changes reach the Public through Public Service Announcements… – Driving Under the Influence – Domestic Violence awareness – Family Violence & Child Abuse awareness – Gang Crimes/Violence – Vehicle impounds for unlicensed drivers – Using cell phones or texting while driving