NCJ Number
78038
Date Published
1979
Length
10 pages
Annotation
A comprehensive crime prevention strategy involving all segments of a society is presented by a Malaysian author.
Abstract
Crime is a socioeconomic problem whose solution requires integrated action that impacts the social and economic patterns of a society. Citizens and professionals must commit themselves to programs of public and religious education that inculcate moral norms and values in the young, such that law-abiding decisionmaking and behavioral standards are internalized. Government must aim at providing adequate employment for all citizens which includes fair wages for services rendered. The gap between the rich and those of modest income should not be so great that injustice and deprivation are experienced by those of low income. Taxation policies should ensure that those with sizeable incomes contribute to government support for the sick, disabled, and destitute. Citizen participation in crime prevention strategies should be based upon public education about the nature of crime and its causes. Citizen crime prevention programs might include cooperation with law enforcement agencies in crime reporting and the development of neighborhood and home security systems. Police crime prevention activities might include working with citizens to help them devise ways to discourage crime against themselves and their communities, expanding the police presence in high-crime communities, and acting speedily and effectively in solving crimes, so as to provide a deterrent for potential offenders.