NCJ Number
118788
Journal
Crime & Delinquency Volume: 35 Issue: 3 Dated: special issue (July 1989) Pages: 323-519
Date Published
1989
Length
197 pages
Annotation
This collection of articles reviews community-based programs and models that involve citizen participation in crime prevention.
Abstract
Neighborhood Watch is viewed as one of the most popular community crime prevention programs in the United States, and characteristics and benefits of the program are noted. Possible reasons for the small impact of the Eisenhower Foundation's Neighborhood Program and policy implications are discussed. An article reporting that citizens and businesses have generally rejected the expectation that criminal justice authorities can successfully protect life and property focuses on the following: (1) private security; (2) significance of private policing as reflected in citizen attitudes toward crime prevention; and (3) alternatives such as the Guardian Angels in crime prevention versus the use of private security firms. A study of the Guardian Angels indicates that the group may not reduce violent offenses but may have limited impact on property crimes. The effectiveness of Crime Stoppers programs is unclear, despite some impressive program statistics on felony arrests, convictions, and recovery of property and drugs. An article on the New York Daily News Crimefighters Campaign concludes that the campaign implied crime is beyond any remedy rather than achieving its goal of stemming crime. Another article examines the impact of serious crime, economic and social resources that citizens encounter with neighborhood problems, and police-community relations opportunities to participate in organized crime prevention efforts. A model is presented for improved police-community relations and crime control, and characteristics of a community-oriented approach to probation and parole supervision are noted. 316 references, 14 tables, 5 figures.