NCJ Number
88922
Date Published
1973
Length
228 pages
Annotation
This study determines if and how the physical street environment (i.e., open space, building types, street type, etc.) acts as an accessory or deterrent to street crime. It is based on a physical site inventory of 176 structures in 8 sites in Jacksonville, Fla., as well as street user, offender, and police surveys there.
Abstract
Data analysis suggests that the physical setting of the street environment is directly associated with the incidence of street crime. All those surveyed agreed on those environmental indicators most conducive to street crime. Those indicators that are witness-related (i.e., with visible building occupants) have a greater impact on deterring crime than inside surveillance indicators (i.e., the number of windows and floors in a building). The survey recommends that these findings be validated in a rigorously monitored and evaluated physical demonstration. Appendixes include maps, site diagrams, supporting tables, an environmental crime index, a proposed action plan for implementing a demonstration test, data collection instruments, and 20 references. Many tables and footnotes are supplied. (Author abstract modified)