NCJ Number
102180
Date Published
1985
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes methodology and findings for an evaluation of a Newark, N.J., program designed to reduce the fear of crime by increasing the quantity and quality of police-citizen contacts and by reducing community social disorder and physical deterioration.
Abstract
Begun in the spring of 1983, the Coordinated Community Policing program consisted of a police community station (a 'storefront' office), police door-to-door contacts with citizens, a police neighborhood newsletter, intensified enforcement of public order and public conduct laws, and projects to reduce neighborhood physical deterioration. The evaluation, conducted from the fall of 1983 through the summer of 1984, compared relevant citizen attitudes before and 10 months after the program. Attitudes were measured by interviewing random samples of residents and representatives of nonresidential reduction activities. Monthly recorded crime data were collected for both areas 44 months prior to and 13 months during the program's implementation. The program was effective in improving citizen evaluations of police service and in reducing residents' perceptions of social disorder and personal crime problems. The program helped reduce Part I recorded crimes, particularly personal crimes and street crimes. 2 tables and 9 references.