Community Organizations and Crime (From Crime and Justice: A Review of Research, V 10, P 39-78, 1988, Michael Tonry and Norval Morris, eds. -- See NCJ-111254)

• NCJ Number: 111255
• Author(s): W G Skogan
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 40 pages
• Sale Source: University of Chicago Press
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Community organizations that have crime problems on their agenda are common across the country.

Abstract

While they originate as an anticipatory response to crime or as a consequence of local criminal activity, none endure by an exclusive focus on the crime problem. Participation in anticrime groups such as Neighborhood Watch is based on awareness of local problems and is linked to socioeconomic status and class-linked attitudes. One approach to fighting crime is for community organizations to request more and better policing. Another is to focus on the fundamental social and economic issues that are the root causes of crime. Individual measures often emphasize preventing victimization and minimizing losses, while collective action involves efforts to defend or reform neighborhoods. Evaluations have not produced clear-cut evidence that programs are effective. Some organizations have also attempted to control crime and disorder through intervention and by changing people's social behavior. Crime prevention organizations can be implanted in new areas either by encouraging existing organizations to add crime problems to their agendas or by encouraging formation of such community organizations. 89 references. (Author abstract modified)