NCJ Number
160984
Journal
School Safety Update Dated: (February 1994) Pages: 1-4
Date Published
1994
Length
4 pages
Annotation
One of the most important factors in effective community crime prevention efforts is a mobilized, active group of residents who work together to forestall or reduce conditions that are likely to bring on violence, drugs, and other crime.
Abstract
These efforts require a combination of partnerships, commitment to action, a neighborhood base, a future-focused perspective, determination to solve problems, and a vision of the potential positive results. Funding is also required, but without the other components, funding will be ineffective. The experiences of dozens of communities suggest 21 clear principles for effective programs. Among these are the importance of involving all the crucial people in the community, recogniting that the process takes time, recogniting that police cannot prevent or reduce crime by themselves, acknowledging the reality of fear while basing the program on positive action, setting ambitious but realistic goals, and establishing both short-term and long-term objectives. The community needs to agree that its goal is to solve problems rather than go over old arguments and to establish a focal group, a plan, and resources. The costs of community crime prevention are small in comparison to the costs of allowing crime to continue.