NCJ Number
118875
Date Published
1989
Length
86 pages
Annotation
This evaluation of the Neighborhood Anti-Crime Self-Help Program, which was established in 10 communities throughout the United States in 1982, focuses on factors that determined effective program implementation and on the program's impact on the community.
Abstract
The program emphasized a planning process based on information regarding local conditions and involvement of community members in decisionmaking ("bubble-up" planning approach); crime prevention strategies based on opportunity reduction, crime causes, and the involvement of older residents; provision of substantial technical assistance by professional staff; and the development of self-sufficiency through public/private partnerships and income-generating activities. The process evaluation, which was done through site visits during program implementation, provided information on the planning process and organizational structure of the 10 programs, documented the kinds and levels of activities implemented by the grantee organizations, identified factors that influenced the planning and implementation processes, and assessed the policy implications of the program for future community crime prevention efforts. Community impacts were measured through interviews with residents and key persons and an analysis of reported crime statistics using time-series analysis. There was little evidence that the program had any success in achieving its major goals of crime reduction and improved quality of life, largely because the resources provided were insufficient for the serious crime problems in the neighborhoods. Policy recommendations pertain to program implementation and the feasibility of community crime prevention programs. 2 tables, 26 references.