NCJ Number
115877
Journal
Journal of Security Administration Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (December 1988) Pages: 52-59
Date Published
1988
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A review is provided of evaluations of community crime prevention programs, particularly those involving a neighborhood watch (NW) component, in England and the United States.
Abstract
A Bristol, England study of victim and public attitudes before and after implementation of a crime prevention program, including NW, property marking, and home security surveys, found reductions in both victimization rates and in fear of crime. A second British study comparing experimental and control sites found that the prevalence and incidence of household victimizations increased in experimental and decreased in control areas in the period prior to and after the launch of a NW program. Residents in both areas, however, showed decreased fear of household victimization and increased satisfaction with the neighborhood. While a number of United States studies, most conducted by police researchers, suggest that NW is effective in reducing crime, independent evaluations have not produced such encouraging results. One independent evaluation found an initial reduction in crime rates that disappeared after the first 12 to 18 months. Another study found an increase in crime in NW areas while crime in non-NW areas of the city declined. Finally, another study found an overall increase in three of four areas following implementation of NW programs, while rates in other areas remained stable. Possible factors contributing to these mixed results are discussed. 25 references.