NCJ Number
46292
Date Published
1977
Length
22 pages
Annotation
IN VIEW OF THE LIMITED TIME AND RESOURCES OF THE POLICE IN THE FACE OF INCREASING CRIME PATTERNS, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT OTHER INSTITUTIONS AND AGENCIES IN SOCIETY COMMIT THEMSELVES TO CRIME PREVENTION.
Abstract
AGENCIES INVOLVED IN HOUSING AND URBAN PLANNING ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR AIDING CRIME PREVENTION BY DESIGNING OCCUPANCY FACILITIES AND AREAS SO THAT CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR CAN BE MORE EASILY SPOTTED BY AREA OCCUPANTS. PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS ARE ALSO IMPORTANT RESOURCES FOR DEALING WITH DEVIANT BEHAVIOR THAT IS ACTUALLY OR POTENTIALLY THREATENING TO THE MEMBERS OF A COMMUNITY. THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR HELPING TO DEVELOP SOCIALLY CONSTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR AMONG STUDENTS. PRIVATE AGENICES SUCH AS CHURCHES AND CIVIC CLUBS ARE DISCUSSED IN TERMS OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMAL SOCIAL CONTROLS THROUGH THE DESIGN OF RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS THAT TEACH SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR. THE EMPLOYMENT OF PRIVATE SECURITY PERSONNEL IN BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY IS ENCOURAGED, BECAUSE OF THE NECESSARILY LIMITED RESOURCES OF PUBLIC POLICE DEPARTMENTS. IT IS FURTHER RECOMMENDED THAT THE UNDERWRITING REQUIREMENTS OF INSURANCE COMPANIES BE TIGHTENED SO THAT POTENTIAL CLIENTS MUST CONFORM TO REASONABLY RIGID SECURITY MEASURES BEFORE INSURANCE AGAINST CRIMINAL DAMAGE WILL BE ISSUED. THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR COORDINATING TOTAL CRIME PREVENTION POLICIES IN THE VARIOUS AGENCIES AND INSTITUTIONS OF A COMMUNITY IS PLACED IN THE POLITICAL SPHERE. POLICE WOULD LOGICALLY BE USED AS TEACHERS AND ADVISORS IN ASSISTING A VARIETY OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUAL CITIZENS TO ADOPT MEASURES FOR PROTECTING THEMSELVES AND ALSO WOULD PLAY A PART IN INFLUENCING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INFORMAL SOCIAL CONTROL. (RCB)