NCJ Number
95782
Date Published
1984
Length
16 pages
Annotation
The Crimestoppers and Video Street Patrol programs are innovative crime control programs which use media technology and raise the issue of the tradeoff of privacy versus security.
Abstract
Crimestoppers uses media advertising to help the police in the investigation of crime and the apprehension of criminals by producing crime commercials and providing an anonymous telephone line through which the public can communicate tips. Video Street Patrol uses microwave television surveillance cameras to deter street crime in a pedestrian shopping district. Since its inception in 1981, Crimestoppers has received 16,187 incoming calls and has resulted in 409 arrests, recovery of over $1.5 million worth of property, and seizure of over $3 million worth of narcotics. About 98 percent of the arrests have ended in either convictions, informal probation, restitution, or other judicial attention. Micro Video Patrol appears to have had some positive impact on street crime, and surveyed merchants favor its continuance. The basic problem in the two programs or similar programs is the balancing of intervention and safety. A photograph, data tables, a figure, and 14 references are supplied.