NCJ Number
77269
Date Published
Unknown
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This report highlights the results of Virginia's High Incidence Target Program (HIT), which consisted of 11 projects conducted by local law enforcement agencies between 1973 and 1976 to reduce major crimes, particularly burglary and robbery.
Abstract
Funded and monitored by the State criminal justice planning agency, the HIT program was implemented in Norfolk, Richmond, Fairfax County, Alexandria, Newport News, Portsmouth, Roanoke, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Arlington County, and Henrico County. A summary of the project's results notes that 8 of the 11 jurisdictions met their primary crime reduction objectives and all gained valuable information regarding specific approaches to crime prevention. Communication between the State planning agency and local law enforcement officials also improved. Following a table summarizing the objectives and achievement of HIT participants, this report reviews management aspects of the HIT projects which could be useful to other professionals. Planning processes, organizational structures, and evaluation methods are discussed. Tactical projects developed by specialized police units are then described, including burglary and robbery patrols and investigation, stakeouts, air support, K-9 activity, fingerprint specialists, truant programs, and informants' funds. The most successful tactic in reducing burglaries was the apprehension and incarceration of burglars, usually through timely and thorough investigations including extensive neighborhood canvassing. A combination of patrol and investigation produced the highest robbery reduction rates. A citizen awareness and crime prevention program and support elements were included in the HIT projects and are evaluated. Prevention programs had little impact on crime reduction, while crime analysis and training were viewed as positive contributions by participants. The final section gives detailed information about HIT projects in Arlington County, Henrico County, and Newport News. Tables and charts are provided.