NCJ Number
148688
Date Published
1993
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper argues that the social effects of depressed economic conditions, combined with the further intrusion of commercial relations into the sphere of general community spaces, leads to conflict between the police and juveniles over the use of public spaces such as the streets and malls.
Abstract
The increased regulation, monitoring, surveillance, and regimentation of "public space" is not going to solve the problem of either "street crime" by juveniles or of negative police-youth relationships (linked to lack of "consumer" status on the part of some juveniles). Politically, the expanded use of public order offenses by local and State governments as a means to control street life will exacerbate the tensions and conflicts already evident in most urban centers. Similarly, attempts to push juveniles out of formerly "public spaces" by redefining this space according to commercial, consumeristic criteria directly challenges the needs and desires of juveniles to assert their autonomy and to congregate with their peers in places outside of close adult or state control. The roots of juvenile crime are rampant youth unemployment, poverty, and inequality. Attempts to limit the visibility of juveniles in groups or gangs will only aggravate their frustration and rebelliousness. Without income and space of their own, without social respect and personal self-esteem, juveniles have nothing to lose in rebelling in whatever fashion or manner they may choose against a system that oppresses them while ignoring policies and services that could improve their lives. 33 references