NCJ Number
84505
Date Published
1981
Length
24 pages
Annotation
The topics covered are the planning process as rational activity, the characteristics of effective planning, methodological issues in planning, planning in the criminal justice system, and shared jurisdictions of city planners and the criminal justice system.
Abstract
Planning is a rational activity, because the complexities of the real world addressed by planners are susceptible to logical analyses and can be attacked by logically developed policies, plans, and programs. Effective planning is (1) future-oriented, (2) goal-oriented, (3) comprehensive, (4) location specific, (5) guided by explicit standards, (6) focused on problem causes, (7) strategy development, (8) an iterative process, and (9) independent of subject matter. Methodological issues in planning include computer applications, the development of information systems, and evaluation research. Most of the planning now being done in criminal justice agencies is filling a void that existed until 1968. As planning skills are improved in the various agencies, forethought and preparation are replacing ad hoc decisionmaking and momentary reaction to crisis. Shared jurisdictions of city planners and the criminal justice system cover crime prevention through environmental design, identification of crime-prone populations, location of absentee populations (areas conducive to property crime), and high rates of residential turnover. Thirty-five references are listed.