NCJ Number
216930
Date Published
2006
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This paper first analyzes the crime problems experienced by the Philippines due to urbanization, followed by descriptions of the crime-prevention policies adopted.
Abstract
Following the pattern of other countries, rapid urbanization, industrialization, and migration to the cities have contributed to higher crime rates in Philippine urban centers. Industrialization and modernization have led to weakened family influence on socialization. Economically, urbanization has worsened poverty, as urban residents experience unemployment, underemployment, a decrease in real wages due to persistent inflation, and uncontrolled migration. The lack of job opportunities has forced many to work abroad, leaving many children and youth under the care of a single parent or relative. The author identifies crimes associated with urbanization and countermeasures that have been implemented. One set of crimes is classified as "street crimes." These include street murders, robberies, drug dealing, rape, kidnapping, auto theft, assaults, and prostitution. Countermeasures for such crimes have included heightened police visibility and patrols and the involvement of communities in preventing crimes. Another category of urban crime is illegal drug trafficking. Countermeasures have focused on restructuring drug policies to address the interdiction of supplies and reduce demand through prevention and treatment. Another category of urban crime involves violent crimes against women and children. Laws have been passed that specifically address violent crimes against women and children, and institutional reforms and new programs have been undertaken by the government in an effort to prevent violence against women and children. Terrorism, another feature of urban crime, is being addressed in a three-pronged approach that involves intelligence, target hardening, and incident management. 20 references