NCJ Number
112647
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 57 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1988) Pages: 6-12
Date Published
1988
Length
7 pages
Annotation
With the failure of traditional law enforcement practices to control the ever-increasing crime rate, police turn to community cooperation and support in the prevention of crime.
Abstract
Crime prevention can be defined as the anticipation, recognition, and appraisal of a crime risk and the initiation of actions to reduce or eliminate it. To achieve maximum effectiveness, the crime prevention practitioner must be a salesperson, an educator, and a manager of community resources. Strategies for implementing community crime prevention programs take many forms, but are based on principles of risk management. Program objectives can include reduction of crime through community involvement, reduction of fear of crime, solicitation of information, involvement of the community in the police function, and improvement of the police image. Factors contributing to maintenance of the program include group acceptance of program goals, periodic successes and satisfaction in belonging to the group, flexibility, good communication, and representativeness of a cross-section of the community. Virtually all law enforcement organizations now encourage community support and there is overwhelming support for crime reduction in most communities. The crime prevention practitioner-manager must develop the skills and persuasiveness to cultivate this support. 12 footnotes, photograph, and cartoon.