NCJ Number
100911
Date Published
1985
Length
37 pages
Annotation
This executive summary of an evaluation report documents the activities of the Guardian Angels (a citizen patrol program), assesses the organization's impact on crime and citizens' fear of crime, compares the group with other citizen patrols, and solicits police and government officials' views of the organization.
Abstract
Patrol logs from Guardian Angels organizations in a number of cities were the primary sources for information on activities. Activity descriptions focus on motivation, training, and patrol activities in eight primary sites. The Angels' effectiveness in preventing crime focused on San Diego. The study period was from January 1, 1982, through December 1984. The Angels began patrolling in July 1982. Reported crimes were examined for the hours when the Angels patrolled. A quasi-experimental design compared crime rates in an Angels' jurisdiction and a control area. Although no direct relationship between Angels patrols and reduced violent crime could be found, a limited impact is evident for property crimes. Citizens' fear of crime was examined through interviews with 110 merchants and 130 residents. Segments of the population felt safer when the Angels patrolled. Interviews with samples of police officers and public officials revealed ambivalent feelings toward the Angels, with police administrators being more favorable than patrol officers. Overall, both police and government officials support the existence of the Angels, but willingness to provide tangible support varies. See NCJ 100912-13 for other volumes. 26 references.