NCJ Number
81044
Date Published
1982
Length
182 pages
Annotation
The study explores differences of citizen crime prevention behavior and physical characteristics in three pairs of neighborhoods in Atlanta to examine how some urban neighborhoods maintain a relatively low level of crime despite their proximity and social similarity to high-crime areas.
Abstract
The dimensions of citizen crime prevention behavior surveyed included spatial identity, local ties, social cohesion, and informal social control. Physical characteristics included land use, types of streets and houses, and the nature of boundary areas. A sample survey of households showed that high-crime and low-crime neighborhoods are far more distinguishable in physical characteristics than in citizen behavior. Low-crime neighborhoods are more insulated from surrounding areas. The flow of outsiders is inhibited because land use is more homogeneously residential, there are fewer major thoroughfares, and boundary streets are less travelled. Low-crime neighborhoods are more often surrounded by areas of higher socioeconomic status. Informal territorial control, such as avoiding unsafe areas and noticing the movements of strangers, is more characteristic of high-crime neighborhoods. Assessments by residents of the amount of crime in their neighborhood reflect actual crime rates, but fear and protective reactions are not significantly different in low- and high-crime areas. Appendixes include the survey form and 64 references. (Author abstract modified)