NCJ Number
96252
Date Published
1984
Length
425 pages
Annotation
This report examines the nature and applicability of the Environmental Design and Management (EDM) approach to preventing crime through modifications to the environment in which it occurs.
Abstract
The difference between the EDM approach, which believes that crime in residential environments can be prevented through a balanced combination of strategies to modify both the design and management of the residential environment, and this approach's antecedents, which emphasized only design elements, are explored. The five basic categories of design strategies are discussed: target-hardening, detection hardware, improvement of surveillance potential, control of access and escape, and encouragement of territoriality and social cohesion. The four groups of management strategies are organized according to the key groups that would be responsible for their implementation: landlords, residents, police, and the community at large. The EDM approach is recommended, primarily for its emphasis on preventing crime before it occurs, for addressing a variety of factors which influence the occurrence of crime, for treating each environment as a unique situation, and for involving a range of individuals and groups in crime prevention. Results are presented from a survey of law enforcement agencies as well as housing planning and management organizations in 25 Canadian cities, so as to determine the need and potential for implementing the EDM approach in Canadian residential environments. Findings reveal that rates of the EDM target crimes (burglary, theft, vandalism, trespassing, arson, robbery, and rape) are increasing in Canada. The need for the EDM approach in Canada is emphasized. It is recommended that the Federal Government initiate and coordinate the dissemination of information on the EDM approach and promote its use. Fourteen figures, 5 tables, and approximately 500 references are included. (Author abstract modified)