NCJ Number
140160
Journal
Symbolic Interaction Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: (1992) Pages: 455-480
Date Published
1992
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The role of citizen callers in initiating direct police action regarding juveniles in two adjoining eastern suburban towns was examined using data covering a 1-year period.
Abstract
The study focused particularly on time spent in order maintenance in response to citizens' calls about noisy youth who were "hanging out" but not necessarily breaking any laws. Both towns were about 5 square miles in size, had mainly white-collar professional populations, and had populations of 49,000 and 26,000. Information was gathered by means of 250 hours of accompanying patrol and youth bureau officers, interviews with personnel directly after leaving the field setting, and data on citizens' calls to the police. Findings revealed that in both towns, calls regarding youths hanging on corners, drinking, or making loud noises were quite common. The police agencies of both towns had unofficial programs to keep the groups dispersed, prevent drinking, and "make" arrests. The line officers generally disagreed with the rationale for these programs but complied with the orders from above. Results indicated that citizen callers have a major influence on groups and individuals who are doing nothing to violate the law. Findings also revealed how police try to balance their responses to accommodate the conflicting demands of the citizenry, the law, the formal police organization, and their own sense of policing the streets. Notes and 22 references