NCJ Number
92999
Date Published
1983
Length
49 pages
Annotation
This manual describes 29 steps in the development and implementation of a citizen-law enforcement residential security program in Maryland, and 16 program objectives are specified, with each objective followed by a description of an evaluation method for determining if the objective has been achieved.
Abstract
Maryland's Residential Security Program (RSP) has been developed to reduce neighborhood crime through a joint law enforcement-citizen program consisting of (1) neighborhood observation and reporting of suspicious activity (Neighborhood Watch), (2) identification of physical and procedural security weaknesses and the implementation of corrective measures to eliminate those weaknesses (security surveys and compliance), and (3) property markings (Operation Identification). Through the use of the aforementioned activities, the RSP is intended to obtain maximum community involvement to reduce the fear of crime, reduce or eliminate criminal activity, and improve citizen interaction with law enforcement. The evaluation methodology presented in this manual is designed to measure the degree to which the RSP achieves these three program objectives. Specifically, the evaluation approach proposed (1) measures the degree of progress toward specific objectives and the general goal of the program, (2) identifies weak and strong points of program operations and suggests changes, (3) monitors program activities and captures pertinent statistical data, (4) provides for timely recognition of negative program effects, (5) increases public support for successful approaches, (6) provides standards against which to measure achievement, and (7) obtains reliable 'bottom line' information. After outlining the purposes of the data retrieval forms used in the evaluation, the forms themselves are provided.