NCJ Number
119883
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 29 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1989) Pages: 207-218
Date Published
1989
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The development of community crime prevention programs in the United States of America has been accompanied by a growing body of research aimed at determining the characteristics of residents who participate in these programs.
Abstract
This research has been oriented by two perspectives on motivation. One view is that perceived crime problems stimulate collective action, and participants are more likely to be fearful of crime than non-participants. Another view is that fear of crime inhibits action, and participants are more likely than non-participants to have a strong sense of social cohesion and to be involved in community associations. The paper investigates the factors that differentiate participants and non-participants in two Neighborhood Watch programs in London. The research shows that participants are both more fearful and more involved in their community than non-participants, and concludes that a combination of the two perspectives might be appropriate. 23 references, 6 tables. (Author abstract modified)