NCJ Number
251399
Date Published
March 2017
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Intended primarily for grantees addressing public safety issues under the model proposed by the federal Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program (BCJI), this instructional paper is intended as a primer for local leaders planning to implement place-based crime initiatives.
Abstract
The study of crime and place, sometimes called "environmental criminology," includes a focus on examining how the geographic or physical characteristics of a place can make that place more susceptible to criminal activity. Environmental criminology focuses on how the place can be altered to reduce opportunities or risks for crime in that place. For community-based organizations, local social service agencies, residents, and other leaders in BCJI communities, the concept of focusing on high-crime areas is important, so that strategies and resources can be used effectively to address place-based factors linked to crime. In discussing basic concepts in developing a place-based strategy for countering crime, this paper discusses using geographic information systems and research that can link information about crimes and calls for service to addresses or geographic territories. Evidence for place-based responses are then discussed, followed by consideration of the various strategies for countering place-based crime. Attention is given to the design and quality of the physical environment, the displacement of crime, community policing, crime pattern theory, place-based policing, problem-oriented policing, risk terrain modeling, situational crime prevention, and routine activities theory. 42 references