NCJ Number
128497
Journal
Southern African Journal of Criminology Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (1989) Pages: 5-11
Date Published
1989
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This survey examined the attitudes of the South African public toward participation in community crime prevention and compared them to crime prevention efforts in the U.S. Predictor variables included demographic characteristics, perceptions of crime seriousness, and attitudes toward police.
Abstract
The results indicate that active involvement in community crime prevention programs is very limited in South Africa, but this may be due to a relative lack of such programs. However, nearly half of white respondents, 34 percent of coloreds and Indians, and 22 percent of blacks indicated that they would be willing to join street patrol groups. Men and younger respondents were most likely to express willingness to participate. While black respondents were most reluctant to participate as a group, those with positive attitudes toward police were more willing to become involved in crime prevention than those with negative attitudes. The author recommends that the introduction of community crime prevention programs be accompanied by information campaigns focusing on ways in which the public can protect their person, homes, and property. A broader program should encourage general community improvement. 3 tables and 15 references