NCJ Number
84986
Journal
Police Research Bulletin Issue: 38 Dated: (Spring 1982) Pages: 23-27
Date Published
1982
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This British study of patterns in crime's nature, time, and place suggests that the findings from such studies can be used to focus crime prevention efforts at times and places evidencing crime patterns.
Abstract
Incident sheets and crime files in two cities were analyzed over time to determine the extent to which crime repeated itself in certain places, requiring the police to answer the same types of calls repeatedly in certain areas. One hospital was found to be involved regularly with a variety of problems requiring police assistance, while other hospitals in the area had significantly less need for police intervention. The trouble-prone hospital was encouraged to reexamine its management procedures so as to minimize many of its problems and dependence on police help. A number of pubs were also found to be sites of trouble requiring regular police help. Analyses of some of the factors contributing to crime at these sites frequently encouraged owners to revise policies and make physical changes that significantly reduced crime and improved business as well. In instances where changes were made, the police took an active role in presenting their crime analysis results to appropriate parties and encouraging them to take specific steps to counter the crime patterns revealed. Graphic and tabular data from the study are provided, and seven references are listed.