NCJ Number
109706
Journal
Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science Volume: 494 Dated: (November 1987) Pages: 161-168
Date Published
1987
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The experience of the United Kingdom's National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (NACRO) in crime prevention efforts in an impoverished neighborhood shows that using the skills of the unemployed in community-based efforts is a way to reduce crime, the fear of crime, and the number of people entering the criminal justice system.
Abstract
A typical NACRO project was conducted in the Bushbury Triangle public housing community in the Midlands starting in 1981. The community's problems included a large percentage of vacant houses; an unpopular reputation with a high level of transfer requests; high crime rates; no onsite community facilities; a high level of damage, litter, and disrepair; and a high level of social agency casework. Project activities included formation of a steering committee; newsletters; a survey of residents; small group meetings; public meetings; and development of an action plan that included the formation of a residents' association, establishment of a community center, and home security improvements as part of a planned modernization program. The program has achieved positive results in attitudes and crime reduction. The NACRO experience indicates the need for resources to support local leadership, a consultation and planning partnership between neighborhoods and agencies, services that respond to people's needs, crime prevention as the agenda at all levels, and use of the skills of the unemployed in crime prevention efforts. Table and footnote. (Author abstract modified)