NCJ Number
188349
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 140-163
Date Published
June 2001
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This article examines the relationship between zoning practices and neighborhood physical disorder.
Abstract
Several research studies identified disorder as a causal factor of both petty and serious crime. Consequently, policy recommendations focused on reducing disorder in hopes of experiencing a residual effect on community crime rates. Using systematic social observations, this article attempts to understand the incidence of physical disorder. A major finding was that residential housing located near commercial establishments was in significantly greater disrepair compared to housing stock located on residential-only blocks. The article discusses policy implications for problem-oriented policing, local government agencies, and community organizations. The article suggests future research to empirically assess the effectiveness of various policies or programs and to conduct a more complete examination of the direct and indirect relationships between disorder and crime. Future researchers may also wish to use a housing inventory on a wider scale, including evaluation of residential and commercial establishments. Figures, table, appendix, notes, references