NCJ Number
73027
Date Published
1979
Length
257 pages
Annotation
This report evaluates the process and impact of a community crime prevention demonstration project conducted in three Minneapolis neighborhoods and funded by planning and implementation grants from LEAA.
Abstract
Project goals were to reduce crime and fear of crime. Program implementation began in 1977. Both community organizing activities and activities directly relating to crime prevention were evaluated. Data sources included project records, surveys of demonstration area residents, and police records. The process evaluation showed that although block clubs and business associations were organized, the program directly affected relatively few individuals or residences. Surveys of block club participants showed that most received the basic elements of the crime prevention message. The impact analysis produced equivocal results. Crime declined in two neighborhoods and rose in one; thus the program appeared to have no impact on crime. Neighborhood residents appeared to have become more conscious of security measures in 1978. Fear of crime remained disproportionate to the recorded level of crime. It is recommended that such neighborhood organizing activities as block clubs and crime prevention advisory councils continue. Program staff should schedule security surveys; police officers should conduct them. Careful planning should precede any changes in a community's physical environment. The police department should encourage officers to attend block club meetings. Project management should be improved. Continued monitoring of crime rates and surveys of residents' perceptions are also recommended. Tables, an appendix presenting additional study data, and a list of 29 references are included.