NCJ Number
146016
Journal
Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency Volume: 30 Issue: 4 Dated: (November 1993) Pages: 478-484
Date Published
1993
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The author recommends a shift in research and public policy priorities to deter street crime.
Abstract
People tend to dwell on what doesn't work; research and public policy should reflect a greater emphasis on what does. Knowledge about the causes of crime is already sufficient to enable bigger, bolder, more comprehensive actions than have been attempted so far. Some strategies are 1) Preventing crime by providing good employment; 2) Reducing recidivism by changing lives; 3) Preventing domestic violence by empowering women; and 4) Preventing crime through community economic development. While few would disagree that poor employment is part of a cycle that breeds street crime, many would disagree about the helpfulness of providing jobs or job training. However, the concept has not been fairly tested. Most anticrime employment programs have been minimal, short-term, and poorly implemented, and have dropped participants into the labor market at low-paying, low-productivity levels. Good job training and guaranteed child care could open up options for women and help prevent domestic violence. 5 references