NCJ Number
171906
Date Published
1997
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The Seattle Police Department's Community Policing Bureau established the Car Prowl Task Force in April 1996 to address the problem of break-ins to parked vehicles and the theft of auto accessories or personal belongings inside a vehicle.
Abstract
The task force includes representatives from the public, private, and local community sectors. The task force is using problem-oriented policing strategies, including the systematic problem-solving process known as Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment (SARA). Police statistics revealed that car prowls are among the most prevalent crimes in Seattle, but their clearance rates are between 2.2 and 3 percent. The task force compiled a list of questions and used varied of data collection methods, including a victim survey, offender interviews, a group interview of patrol officers, site visits using Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Techniques, an analysis of incident reports, mapping of case processing, and research on practices in other jurisdictions. Results revealed patterns in victim and offender behaviors, as well as natural characteristics common in physical sites where car prowls are most likely. The task force defined its mission as reducing car prowls and defined its three goals as increasing behaviors to prevent car prowls, increasing the identification of offenders, and increasing the criminal justice consequences for car prowlers. Work groups have been established to develop response strategies to address each goal. Assessment tools will be developed and use to measure the effectiveness of each strategy. The task force also invites public and research participation in the research, response, and assessment phases of the efforts. Table and attached letter summarizing the task force background and efforts