NCJ Number
148033
Date Published
1973
Length
126 pages
Annotation
This study examines alternative approaches for governments, institutions, and individuals to use for crime prevention in the residential setting.
Abstract
Security means both actual protection against a threat and freedom from fear about it. This report considers the value or cost-effectiveness of a security measure from both these perspectives. A conceptual framework for determining the cost-effectiveness of a security measure in terms of reducing the actual risk of loss from crime is presented. It is based on the concepts of the crime pressure of the area and the vulnerability of the specific residence to which the security measure is to be applied. Crime pressure is a special type of crime rate, stated in terms of opportunities rather than targets. Vulnerability is defined as the probability that a particular residence will be the target of any randomly selected crime. Approaches for dealing with residential crime can either reduce crime pressure, which is a public responsibility, or the vulnerability of a residence, which is the responsibility of the resident. The report emphasizes two conclusions: security devices should be viewed as part of the consumer market, and greater attention must be given to the displacement effects of any target-hardening approaches. The report emphasizes the importance of design in crime prevention. Other alternatives discussed are security devices, citizen action (civilian patrols, tenant patrols, private guards), and public policies for residential security (police, incentives and crime insurance, and State and local codes). The report concludes that government's role should be primarily informational. It recommends ways to provide security information to various audiences and also suggests topics for additional research. 134-item bibliography