NCJ Number
96907
Date Published
Unknown
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This text addresses citizen participation in the criminal justice system and identifies methods for facilitating the formation of successful community self-help groups.
Abstract
Community incentives for fostering community self-help organizations are discussed. The incentives include a more positive community self-image transformed into a desire to improve the quality of community life and a reduction in crime. Characteristics of successful community crime prevention projects are examined: the critical feature of such projects is the relationship between the community and the police. Ways to find groups in the community that can be networked to initiate the organization of a crime prevention program are suggested, and recommendations for raising funds for these programs are provided. Vital considerations for designing and implementing community networking are delineated, including identification of key citizens through proper organizational frameworks. An evaluation of a block watch program in the Driving Park area of Columbus, Ohio, is presented; a mechanism developed to sustain community participation through local control is described. Finally, lessons learned from the Driving Park block watch experience are summarized; a strategy for developing community crime prevention networks is supplied. Seventeen references are included.