5. CRIME PREVENTION Flashcards
Define defensible space
Real or symbolic barriers that separate private space from public space
Also includes ability to survey territory
Aim of Newman
Investigates the difference between two New York housing projects on the levels of defensible space
Two housing projects, Newman
Van Dyke- increased area of open space
Brownsville- X shaped buildings, central staircase entrance + decorated communal areas
Newman method
Natural experiment
What did Newman measure
Crimes in each building
Maintenance jobs in each building
Results Newman
Less crime + maintenance jobs in Brownsville
What do Newmans results suggest
Neighbourhoods + buildings need defensible space to reduce crime
More windows + less people using entrances (windows= feel like being watched, entrances= looked after)
Methods of achieving defensible space
- zone of territorial influence- markers to show private area (e.g. fences)
- opportunities for surveillance- physical layout of building= intruders easily spotted (e.g. more windows)
- image- individuality should be emphasised as it suggests privacy + linked to zone of territory
- Milieu- surroundings of building (e.g. open space attracts vandalism more than organised court yards)
Pros of Newman
Useful applications
Natural experiment- more ecologically valid + generalisable
Quantitative data
Cons of Newman
Lacks population validity- only in NY Reduced control (natural exp)- cannot establish C+E Lack of qualitative data- other factors not considered/don't know why Socially sensitive- increases stereotypes
Zero tolerance definition
Respond vigorously to all criminal offences in an area, cracking down on petty crimes
Define the broken window theory
If petty crimes are not polices, it invites serious offenders to increase their activity
Why do areas invite crime
Physical factors- graffiti/litter/broken windows
Behavioural factors- public nuisance/prostitutes/gangs
What does the broken window theory + zero tolerance suggest
Police should reduce ‘quality of life’ crimes (vandalism) with a heavy handed approach
Bratton NYC
Introduction of zero tolerance in 1990s
Aimed to reduce crime
Sent officers to each subway station to address fare dodgers
2000 officers appointed to address low level crimes (e.g. vandalism)
After 3 years= 37% decrease in crime + 50% decrease in homicide rates