NCJ Number
57365
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 44 Issue: 11 Dated: (NOVEMBER 1977) Pages: 38-39,42
Date Published
1977
Length
3 pages
Annotation
HONEYCOMB PROJECTS, THOSE HIGH DENSITY, MULTILEVEL APARTMENT BUILDINGS, PRESENT AN ARCHITECTURAL OBSTACLE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND AN EASY TARGET FOR CRIMINALS.
Abstract
STATISTICAL STUDIES INDICATE THAT THE CRIME RATE IS FOUR TIMES HIGHER FOR HONEYCOMB PROJECTS THAN FOR AREAS WITH SINGLE FAMILY HOUSES WITH SIMILAR POPULATIONS. HONEYCOMB PROJECTS HAVE AN APPEARANCE OF SECURITY BY PROVIDING SECURITY DEVICES DESIGNED TO PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY; THESE, HOWEVER, USUALLY HAMPER POLICE ENTRY WHILE CRIMINALS USE OTHER METHODS OF ACCESS THAN THE FRONT DOOR TO A LOBBY. HONEYCOMB PROJECTS ARE DIFFICULT TO PATROL FROM THE STREET AND THEIR SIZE AND LAYOUT AND COMPLEX ADDRESS SYSTEMS PREVENT QUICK RESPONSE TO EMERGENCY CALLS. SUBTERRANEAN GARAGES IN MANY PROJECTS INCREASE THE DIFFICULTY IN PROVIDING ADEQUATE PATROL SINCE ENTRY IS RESTRICTED BY ELECTRICALLY OPERATED GATES AND THE INTERIORS FEATURE LOW HANGING PIPES AND WIRING WHICH INTERFERE WITH POLICE ANTENNAS. ELEVATORS POSE A PROBLEM FOR RESIDENTS SINCE OFTEN THE INTERIOR IS NOT WHOLLY VISIBLE UNTIL A RIDER ENTERS AND STAIRS ARE EQUALLY GOOD HIDING PLACES FOR CRIMINALS. LAUNDRY ROOMS AND STORAGE AREAS ARE OFTEN SITUATED IN ISOLATED SPOTS THAT INVITE POTENTIAL ATTACKERS. DEVELOPERS OF THESE BUILDINGS ARE MORE INTERESTED IN GAINING PROFITS THAN IN PROVIDING SECURE SHELTER TO RESIDENTS, SO IT IS IMPORTANT THAT LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES HAVE INPUT INTO THE PLANNING STAGES OF MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS. A LIST OF ARCHITECTURAL 'DO'S' AND 'DONT'S' IS PROVIDED. (DAG)