NCJ Number
66999
Date Published
1979
Length
17 pages
Annotation
TWO BROAD APPROACHES TO CRIME PREVENTION ARE IDENTIFIED IN THIS CHAPTER FROM A TEXTBOOK ON THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
Abstract
CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS CAN BE DIVIDED INTO TWO GENERAL CATEGORIES. THE FIRST COVERS PREVENTION PROGRAMS AIMED AT BROADENING THE LEGITIMATE OPPORTUNITY STRUCTURE, OR PROGRAMS WHICH CONCENTRATE UPON THE IDENTIFICATION AND ELIMINATION OF THE ROOT CAUSES OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR. SUCH PROGRAMS INCLUDE PROGRAMS FOR EMPLOYMENT (NEIGHBORHOOD YOUTH CORPS, JOB CORPS, APPRENTICESHIP OUTREACH, WORK INCENTIVES PROGRAM); PROGRAMS FOR EDUCATION (TALENT SEARCH, HEAD START, FOLLOW THROUGH, UPWARD BOUND, AND PROJECT 70,0001); AND PROGRAMS FOR RECREATION (BIG BROTHERS OF AMERICA, POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUES, AND OPERATION 'GET DOWN'). A SECOND APPROACH PROVIDES PROGRAMS THAT ARE DIRECTED AT REDUCING CRIMINAL OPPORTUNITY OR PLACING OF OBSTACLES IN THE PATHS OF POTENTIAL OFFENDERS. SUCH OBSTACLES INCLUDE IMPROVEMENTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN, BETTER STREET LIGHTING, WINDOW AND DOOR LOCKS, AND WATCH DOGS. PROGRAMS DEVELOPED THAT CONFORM TO THE SECOND APPROACH ARE EXPLORED: OPERATION IDENTIFICATION, NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH, COMMUNITY RADIO WATCH (CITIZEN BAND RADIO OR CB), OPERATION LIGHT THE NIGHT, AND THE BREA, CALIFORNIA MOBILE CRIME PREVENTION UNIT. IN ADDITION, SUCH TECHNIQUES AS POLICE SECURITY SURVEYS, TEAM POLICING, AND CRIME ANALYSIS ARE MENTIONED AS EFFECTIVE CRIME PREVENTION PROCEDURES. DESCRIPTIONS SUGGEST THAT A COMBINATION OF BOTH APPROACHES IS POSSIBLE AND IN MANY CASES DESIRABLE. REFERENCES AND TEST QUESTIONS ARE INCLUDED. (MHP)