NCJ Number
212046
Journal
Crime Prevention and Community Safety: An International Journal Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: 2005 Pages: 19-35
Date Published
2005
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the effectiveness of crime prevention programs in neighborhoods dominated by rental properties.
Abstract
Neighborhoods dominated by rental properties present a unique challenge for law enforcement and city planners, and for the residents of those neighborhoods. These areas dominated by rental properties tend to be much more transient, and therefore at greater risk. To address the deteriorating neighborhoods that are dominated by rental properties, cities around the country have adopted a number of strategies for crime reduction and prevention. The theoretical underpinnings for most of these strategies are derived from social disorganization theory and deviant places theory. Some of these approaches have created legal issues with respect to constitutional rights of privacy for the residents in these communities, and to drug and gang activity evictions. There seems to be little empirical research to evaluate the effectiveness of any of these programs or evaluate the possible negative social and economic consequences that certain policies might have on the already at-risk populations in these neighborhoods. This article begins by exploring what options or programs are currently being utilized, and than it discusses the risks of these programs as they move forward. The three primary programs currently being utilized by local law enforcement to address crime in these areas are the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, the Landlord Training Program and the Las Vegas Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. There is consensus among law enforcement agencies and civic leaders that many of the strategies are effective. It is also clear that a trend exists to impose more structural regulation on the owners of apartment properties through mandated education programs, licensing, and rental inspections. References