NCJ Number
87205
Date Published
1982
Length
56 pages
Annotation
This report describes a crime prevention survey program among small businesses in Long Beach, California, and the evaluation methodology is discussed.
Abstract
The project involved the joint participation of businesspersons and police in the development and implementation of strategies to encourage merchant compliance with survey recommendations. The Long Beach project was limited to a 2-year research effort involving 593 businesses. Program methodology included identification of commercial areas within the city consisting of 80 or more small businesses surrounded by residential neighborhoods and having recognizable geographical identities. Detailed crime and business data were collected in each area. The areas were tentatively pair-matched based on collected data, and each pair was randomly separated into a test and control component. Comprehensive crime prevention surveys and survey compliance activities were undertaken at each business in the test areas. Project staff also participated in the formation of business associations in each test area. Data were collected to evaluate the project, but it has not yet been fully analyzed. Until the final evaluation report is issued, it is not possible to recommend that the project be replicated in other jurisdictions. One clear benefit from the project has been improved police and business relations. A major project conclusion is that crime prevention for small businesses must begin prior to the businesses becoming fully operational. Forms used in the project are appended. (Author abstract modified)