NCJ Number
80122
Date Published
1981
Length
80 pages
Annotation
Project overview, study methodology, findings, and recommendations are presented from an evaluation of the Black Federation Neighborhood Anti-crime Network Project of San Diego County, Calif.
Abstract
On February 1, 1980, the Black Federation of San Diego was awarded an LEAA grant whose purpose was to develop a consortium composed of the federation and three other agencies to establish a minority-focused community anticrime program. The communities involved in the project were Chollas Park, San Ysidro, and Castle Park. The three major program goals were (1) to help develop new and existing community organizations, neighborhood groups, and individuals into effective instruments for participating in activities to prevent crime, reduce the fear of crime, and contribute to increased neighborhood unification; (2) to reduce the incidence of community crime through community-initiated and supported youth programs; and (3) to develop models for successful community anticrime efforts by analyzing the success of different types of anticrime techniques used. Specific programs included neighborhood watch groups, neighborhood action committees, youth planning councils, and bicycle and property identification programs. Evaluation data were obtained from monthly performance reports submitted by each subcontracting agency; participant surveys that assessed degrees of participation, knowledge of crime prevention techniques and victim assistance services, and perceptions of the safety of neighborhoods; and crime statistics analysis. Among the findings were the following: (1) neighborhoods in which 'block watch' programs were conducted experienced a decrease in residential burglaries; (2) community development/anticrime projects can have a significant impact in developing self-help groups to combat crime in minority neighborhoods; and (3) project activities had a positive impact on the relationship between minority communities and local law enforcement agencies. Fourteen recommendations for improving the implementation and development of this and similar projects are offered. Tabular data are provided; reports and details on evaluation methodology and findings are appended.