NCJ Number
104421
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 33 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1987) Pages: 103-134
Date Published
1987
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This article takes a critical look at the theory and research behind the highly touted community crime prevention strategy known as Neighborhood Watch.
Abstract
While correlational studies of neighborhoods and citizen participation are numerous, there is a paucity of rigorous experimental evaluations that test the proposed 'Implant Hypothesis,' that is, that collective citizen participation (and the social processes it allegedly activates) can be implanted in neighborhoods where it does not currently exist. However, there are both theoretical and empirical reasons to challenge some of the basic assumptions underlying the Neighborhood Watch approach to reducing crime, reducing fear of crime, and restoring a sense of community. The hypothesis that Watch programs increase fear of crime and may have other effects is examined. The implications of this assessment for theory development and public policy are explored. (Author abstract)