NCJ Number
73471
Date Published
Unknown
Length
162 pages
Annotation
This study of the prosecution and investigation of burglary and the prosecution of burglars in eight cities aimed at developing suggestions for anti-burglary programs.
Abstract
The cities which were selected were representative of various population categories. Statistical data were compiled from police department records on the number of burglaries reported, the number cleared, the number of persons arrested and prosecuted, and the number found guilty. Questionnaires were completed in personal interviews with police personnel in burglary units, city prosecutors, judges, and convicted burglars. Results indicated that burglaries will continue to increase unless positive preventive action is undertaken. This action must involve cooperation among the police, the prosecutor, the judge, the legislature, and the public. Burglary prevention sections should be established in each police department and personnel must be carefully trained. Businesses and homes must be inspected on a regular basis; builders and architects must be encouraged to submit plans for new and remodeled buildings to a qualified burglary prevention officer for approval. Crime prevention training schools on the English model should be established, and their graduates should be assigned exclusively to crime prevention work. The use of preventive patrols should receive more attention. More courts must be established to process burglary cases. Public education programs on the prevention of burglary are needed. Federal and State legislatures should enact legislation to give the police and prosecutors more adequate tools for combatting burglary. Footnotes with references and appendixes containing the questionnaires, information on the crime prevention program in England, and materials used by police agencies in soliciting the help of citizens in reducing the number of burglaries are included.