NCJ Number
102461
Date Published
1985
Length
143 pages
Annotation
The 1984 Downtown Safety, Security, and Economic Development Program assessed the security needs of three outlying commercial centers of New York City (phase 1) and gathered information on downtown programs throughout the country (phase 2).
Abstract
Phase 1 involved a telephone survey of 610 residents, interviews with businessmen and officials, and analysis of crime data in the police precincts of the three areas. Phase 2 included site visits and telephone interviews with officials and businessmen in many cities. While findings suggest that fear of crime may not deter people from coming to downtown areas, it can alter pedestrians' behavior once they reach the area. Respondents' feelings of safety were related to the attractiveness of the area. While signs of physical deterioration had little effect on respondents' feelings of safety, behavioral disorders (e.g., street drug use and sale, public drinking, loitering) had a substantial impact on the expectations of occurrence of specific crimes. Findings suggest that urban design and development should emphasize dense and compact development, increased housing and mixed-use development, and the availability of special events and activities. Phase 2 research further suggests that public policing plays a major role in safeguarding downtowns, particularly foot patrols, quality-of-life crime enforcement and control strategies, and control of special populations. Finally, results suggest that the mobilization of both public and private resources is an important element of downtown crime reduction programs. Appendixes include supplemental program information and a 44-item bibliography.