NCJ Number
132979
Date Published
1991
Length
400 pages
Annotation
This study was undertaken to develop a comprehensive set of strategies for addressing crime problems in Savannah, Georgia.
Abstract
The distribution and composition of crime at the neighborhood level were analyzed as well as social and physical characteristics of neighborhoods. It was found that neighborhoods with the highest concentration of crime and criminal offenders were those with the highest concentration of poverty, physical deterioration, unemployment, child abuse and neglect, and teenage pregnancy. It was also discovered that areas with the highest concentration of drug activties had the highest concentration of crime and disorders. Researchers determined that the capacity of the Savannah Police Department to reduce crime on its own is limited. In addition, there is little or no coordination of efforts between the city's various criminal justice agencies. Crime problems are further exacerbated by the prison system's lack of capacity. Comprehensive and coordinated strategies to deal with crime and public disorder problems in Savannah are proposed that focus on the creation of service zones, geographic accountability in police operations, differential police responses, the development of a police information system, the establishment of neighborhood councils, efforts to halt neighborhood deterioration, the establishment of neighborhood service centers, and efforts to ameliorate social problems. A detailed analysis of crime, socioeconomic problems, neighborhood conditions, drug activities, city responses to crime, and the police force is presented. A consultant's review of the study is appended. 91 tables, 5 figures, and 51 maps