NCJ Number
98352
Date Published
1985
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This overview of community crime prevention programs outlines key program features, implementation lessons learned from previous and existing programs, and the measurement of program performance.
Abstract
Key program features for community crime prevention programs are (1) cooperation between police and community organizations, (2) the targeting of specific problems in particular communities, (3) the use of volunteers, and (4) the use of 'Neighborhood Watch' as a component of the program. In Neighborhood Watch, residents routinely observe areas near their homes and report suspicious activity to the police. Other effective citizen crime prevention activities are citizen patrols, (residents patrolling their neighborhoods to report any crime or suspicious activity), 'block homes,' (homes designated as refuges for neighborhood children), neighborhood cleanups, and escort services. One lesson learned from the implementation of crime prevention programs is the importance of obtaining information on residents' concerns, the character of the target area, and citizen attitudes toward cooperation with the police in a crime prevention program. Other key elements in program implementation are detailed. Performance measures are listed for each type of program. Information sources are provided. An included report form for project implementation contains performance indicators.