NCJ Number
154372
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 38 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1992) Pages: 522-538
Date Published
1992
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study, the first to examine empirically the impact of citizens' antidrug programs in inner-city neighborhoods, focused on community drug programs in Baltimore, Miami, Philadelphia, and Seattle and interviewed residents in each about a range of neighborhood characteristics and problems.
Abstract
The study used a posttest only, nonequivalent, control group design. The analysis compared the responses of residents living in program areas with those of residents living in comparable areas without programs. Results revealed that the programs were most likely to affect residents' perceptions of fear of crime, social control, and social cohesion. Findings contradict the predictions of existing theories. Residents of low-income neighborhoods are working effectively with each other and with the police to reduce drug activity and to rebuild neighborhoods. Thus, strong indications exist of a major change in the attitudes of inner-city residents toward their communities and the police. However, these programs were chosen partly because of their impressive successes and outstanding staff and the findings may not generalize to other programs in the same generic category. Furthermore, the data do not include official statistics on drug use and crime; the programs' effects on drug trafficking and arrests are unknown. Nevertheless, continues analysis of these programs is justified. Tables and 42 references (Author abstract modified)