NCJ Number
80847
Date Published
1980
Length
126 pages
Annotation
The problems of individual security from violence which have arisen in Western countries in conjunction with industrialism and consumerism are discussed.
Abstract
Within Western societies violence has become closely linked to the profit motive; the result has been the growth of a general feeling of insecurity. To counter the trend toward violence, a system of public and private prevention and repression has been developed. One of the principal goals of the security system is economic protection. The present study outlines the costs and types of violence for profit, possible public and private actions to combat such violence, and specific prvention problems. Study findings show that acts of economic violence represent a modest but increasingly significant portion of recent delinquency. However, certain offenses, e.g., arson, may have a significant impact on businesses. The most common forms of prevention within existing police forces are formation of new specialty units and redeployment of forces, technological innovation, and public education. A whole security industry with security guards and sophisticated surveillance systems has developed to cover areas not adequately protected by police. Particular problems of preventive efforts are long delays in taking action, difficulties of private companies in gaining public support, and limitations on public resources which can be devoted to preventive efforts. It has in any case become apparent that security is becoming costly and that security efforts require careful coordination of human efforts with technology. Tables and figures are supplied.