NCJ Number
76845
Date Published
1978
Length
26 pages
Annotation
News clippings from various publications are presented to show how communities fight crime; security patrols, escorts for older people, and visits to prisons by youths are among the programs mentioned.
Abstract
Several articles describe measures taken by communities to deter young criminals. For example, a clip from 'Psychology Today' shows the response of Deerfield, Ill., to vandalism, which includes allocating funds for youth activities and adopting tougher ordinances against youthful offenders. The article also describes a Rahway State Prison program in New Jersey in which prisoners serving life sentences meet with problem youngsters. Using brutal language prisoners describe the humiliation and danger of prison life. Youngsters are also shown the worst prison areas, including solitary confinement. A number of articles deal with crimes affecting older citizens. One clip (from 'Retirement Living') describes a program in Hartford. Conn., in which senior citizens patrol the neighborhood with walkie-talkies or watch from the windows for anything suspicious during evening hours. Other residential crime and security patrols are also described. For example, an article from 'American City & County' observes that such patrols operate in about 800 to 900 localities across the country. One article (from 'Nation's Business') describes the use of merchandising techniques to teach crime prevention in Omaha, Nebr. Omaha's police department has bought a Crime Prevention Show-on-Wheels unit, which it sends into neighborhoods and shopping centers to instruct citizens on how they can protect themselves and their property. Among items on display are locks and burglar alarm systems, which are explained by a police officer assigned to the unit. An interview with a legal expert on issues concerning the justice system is also included.