NCJ Number
197625
Date Published
2000
Length
337 pages
Annotation
This collection of articles discusses crime control and prevention through the collaborative efforts of the police, other government agencies, service organizations, local businesses, and citizens.
Abstract
A three-pronged approach is used to address these issues: (1) the importance of social capital and cohesion; (2) viewing crime through the lenses of location, the offender, and the victim; and (3) drawing upon research focusing on change in police organization. Part I provides a historical perspective on the evolution of policing, emphasizing the importance of partnerships, problem solving, and organizational change. The elements of the new direction of policing are provided. Part II emphasizes the important role citizens play in social control and prevention of crime. Topics such as social capital and community building, neighborhood disorder and fear, and the importance of maintaining order following interventions are discussed. The experiences of eight cities in the United States are explored. Part III focuses on the context of crime and its causes. It states that police officers can benefit from developing a complete understanding of victims, offenders’ behavior, and the context in which crime is committed, and can develop effective solutions. Situational crime prevention and crime prevention through environmental design are introduced as new tools for addressing community crime problems. Part IV describes how the implementation of new ideas and methods requires major change in an organization’s philosophical structure, processes, and personnel behaviors. Change within policing organizations is difficult and often resisted, and requires strong leadership and strategic planning. The conclusion examines the future of policing. The views and future projections of leading academics and practitioners in policing are presented.