NCJ Number
197725
Journal
Crime Prevention and Community Safety: An International Journal Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: 2002 Pages: 7-21
Editor(s)
Rob Mawby
Date Published
2002
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article explores how both housing design, management, and "active citizenship" are believed to influence crime and "defensible space," and reports on a study of how criminals decode the "active citizen," common housing designs, and levels of safety within cities in Britain.
Abstract
The concepts of Newman's theory of "defensible space" are used by urban designers, planners, the police, and city center management teams to produce safer urban environments in Britain. However, some parts of the city are not defended by the residents, despite these initiatives. Social elements defined as "undefended" and "offensible" space are discussed as they relate to "active citizenship." It is put forward here that perceptions, in Britain particularly, concerning "undefensible space" are under-studied and that image is an important factor when considering the idea that "design affects crime." It was found that "active citizenship" was found in well-maintained housing designs, as opposed to being less represented in comparable poorly maintained housing designs. It is emphasized that past policy has resolutely ignored the interrelationships essential to influencing perceptions and creating and maintaining a "positive" image in a community. In conclusion, it is recommended that further research be done in the areas of the perceived deterrent effect that associations of active citizenship generate.