Systems Approach to Community Crime Prevention

• NCJ Number: 221567
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 20 Issue: 3 Dated: 2007 Pages: 100-112
• Author(s): C. J. Roelofse
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
• Note: To access the full text PDF: 1) select the provided link; 2) from the Acta Criminologica Web site, select "Table of Contents"; 3) select the corresponding Volume and Issue (see the NCJRS abstract record for the exact Volume and Issue); 4) scroll the Table of Contents to the exact article; and 5) click on the "full text" icon Downloaded on February 13, 2008.

Annotation

This paper attempts to indicate the systems necessary to identify individuals at risk and suggests ways to support them in order to prevent a situation where they may resort to crime.

Abstract

An introduction to a more rational theoretical debate into crime prevention theory is attempted in this paper. The systems approach is essentially a business tool. The system typically has an input, process, and output. This paper argues that individuals in our society are processed by the primary structures, such as the family and schools, in the community. A business has a preferred state, namely to make a profit while the community has a preference for order and stability. The family represents the primary agent for the socialization of children. The systems approach presents an analytical tool to determine where the system is failing and enables the introduction of remedial actions. The contingencies that individuals may experience may result in coping strategies that, in turn, may lead to delinquency. When society identifies such potentially delinquent behavior, it should respond by assisting such an individual. The establishment of community support centers (CSC) is suggested in order to bring back joint responsibility and community participation in crime prevention, while a systems approach could aid the development of an integrated community responsibility. The CSC is proposed to assist with problem identification, professional analysis, and support. Through this paper some theoretical considerations are converted to empirical application. The aim of this paper is to move criminological theory away from the classical human sciences approach of abstract theoretical reasoning to a dimension of more concrete and rational dimensions, hence the systems approach. Appendix, bibliography