NCJ Number
180736
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 47 Issue: 11 Dated: November 1999 Pages: 75-79
Date Published
November 1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the development, components, and implementation of the Spotlight Initiative in Strathclyde, Scotland; this program addresses minor crime, major crime, fear of crime, policing in the community, parental responsibility, and partnership working.
Abstract
The program is called "Spotlight" because during a specific period of time, ranging from a few hours or a few days, the attention of every available officer on the force is directed toward dealing with a single issue. On occasion, a particular "spotlight" might be revisited several times; others may be addressed only once. One of the program goals is to keep criminals off balance. The program is based in four fundamental principles. First, it must address public concerns; second, it must address serious crime through a focus on minor crime; third, it must fully exploit corporate partnerships; and fourth, it must feature the maximum presence of officers on the beat. The program targets a combination of 11 major crime-specific and location-specific "spotlighted" topics: carrying of weapons, litter and public nuisance, underage drinking, transport network, vandalism, truancy, drinking in public, licensed premises, street robberies, sporting events, and parks and public places. Data show that "spotlighted" offenses and locations have experienced a significant crime reduction.