NCJ Number
107314
Journal
Public Productivity Review Issue: 42 Dated: (Summer 1987) Pages: 83-93
Date Published
1987
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the types and extensiveness of citizen coproduction of community safety and security, identifies factors that influence citizens' propensity to engage in coproduction, suggests benefits of coproduction, and recommends ways public officials can stimulate citizen coproduction.
Abstract
Coproduction consists of citizens' actions that, together with the efforts of public agencies, enhance the quality and quantity of public services provided in the neighborhood or community. Forms of safety and security coproduction range from neighborhood watches to home protection activities. Surveys indicate extensive citizen coproduction of safety and security, particularly through measures that protect one's own property. Fear of crime and victimization experiences tend to increase citizen coproduction of safety and security. Homeowners and higher income families tend to be more involved in coproduction of safety and security than renters and lower income families. Potential benefits of such coproduction are increased citizen awareness of crime prevention, improved police-community relations, and enhanced citizen participation in the community. Coproduction is most effective when embraced both by citizens motivated to improve community conditions and by officers who deal with these conditions daily. Such efforts should emphasize complementary police-citizen actions. 17 references.