NCJ Number
79544
Date Published
1980
Length
554 pages
Annotation
These 52 papers assess studies, including evaluations, bearing upon the link between crime and the built environment.
Abstract
A number of the studies examine the relationship between the presence or absence of 'defensible space' in multifamily housing developments and crime rates and residents' fear of crime. The reviews indicate that most of these studies fail to use methodologies that can substantiate a link between particular design characteristics and the incidence of crime or fear of crime. Some studies explore the relationship between street design (cul-de-sacs, closed streets, through streets, etc.) and burglaries of residents on the streets. A few of the reviews focus on the relationship between school design and school crime, particularly vandalism. Other studies examine correlations between environmental design, the incidence of various types of crime, and criminal methods used. The general format used for the reviews of each study consists of a statement of objectives of the original study and a description of the study's research design. Details of the research methodology are then presented, including the statistical methods used, followed by an assessment of the appropriateness of the research design and methodology for the attainment of study objectives. The original study's conclusions are summarized, followed by an assessment of the validity of the conclusions, given the research design and methodology.