NCJ Number
80964
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 9 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1981) Pages: 398-403
Date Published
1981
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Results are presented from a study that observed citizen response to simulated thefts from cars.
Abstract
The research design involved the random assignment of 39 students enrolled in a simulations course to roles of driver, passenger, thief, or observer to simulate 16 auto burglaries. Eight sites throughout Tuscaloosa, Ala., were chosen for their high volume of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Two observers were stationed at each site to record the activities of the simulation and citizen responses to the efforts of the 'thieves' to force entry into the cars to obtain clearly visible valuable items. Police officials were informed of the experiment. The study results generally indicate an absence of intelligent community involvement in and commitment to crime prevention. Most citizens observing the behavior of the 'thief' either ignored what they observed, mistakenly assumed that the 'thief' owned the car, or believing that a theft was occurring, failed to intervene or call the police. Some citizens even assisted the 'thief' in his efforts to enter the car. In order to counter the observed citizen naivete and indifference to crime, police departments should develop and maintain a continuous flow of information to the public regarding proper citizen response and informed observation vis-a-vis crime. Nine references are provided.