NCJ Number
92938
Date Published
1983
Length
30 pages
Annotation
Steps in developing a successful community crime prevention program include defining the target problem, community analysis, strategic planning, examining programs that work, obtaining resources, developing community and media relations, sustaining the program effort, and program evaluation.
Abstract
The first step in addressing crime in a community is to identify the crime-related problems that exist in a particular community, both as revealed by police crime statistics and the perceptions of residents. The latter can be determined by conducting a community survey (a sample questionnaire is provided). Information from the police statistics and the community survey can be used to set priorities, and having identified a problem that is solvable and that the planning group feels can be addressed, the final step in defining a target issue is crime analysis, which involves determining victim and offender characteristics, ascertaining the usual time frame of targeted offenses and the modus operandi of the offenders, and identifying spatial aspects of offenses, opportunity factors, and the system response. The general physical and social conditions of a community also play a part in determining the success of crime prevention efforts. Community analysis should examine environmental characteristics, resident characteristics, and key actors and opportunities. The next step, strategic planning, is a creative process that pulls everything together to develop a master plan. It involves setting goals and objectives, developing an array of tactics from which to choose, designing the approach, and planning for continuity. This process can be aided by examining community crime prevention programs that have been successful. The next step is to identify the resources that will be required to implement the program and undertake action to obtain the resources. Community and media relations will be important for building community support, and the continuation of the program will depend on teamwork, recognition for participants, and making participation enjoyable. Evaluation must be conducted to determine how well a program is doing and to find ways to improve or revise its operation. Descriptions of successful programs are provided, and suggestions for further reading as well as Canadian resources for assistance are included.