5. Strategy for crime prevention

Question 1

Crime prevention - Application
Evidence you can use?

Answer 1

Defensible space – Oscar Newman

Zero tolerance – Kelling and Sousa

Broken windows – Zimbardo

Foot patrol – Wilson and Kelling

Question 2

Shona has been thinking about crime in her village, petty things such as graffiti and stealing garden gnomes are beginning to happen. She is wondering what might have led to it and what the community might do to stop it.
What strategies might a psychologist suggest to tackle the problems that Shona has bee thinking about. 10 marks

PEE X 3 Exemplar

Answer 2

One strategy a psychologist may suggest to tackle the problem that Shona is thinking about is to organise members of the community to go out on ‘citizen patrol’.

This refers to individuals or groups patrolling the community, they could wear some sort of uniform so that they can be identified as a group who are there to maintain the social order. This group could walk or travel around the community on public transport so that can enforce the expected behavioural norms. They would get to know the ‘regulars’ who commit minor crimes such as stealing garden gnomes and graffiti, and ensure they are following the social order.

This strategy is backed up by research Wilson and Kelling’s review of the Safe and Clean neighbourhood program, which found citizen patrol does help to maintain the social order. This should help tackle the problems Shona is thinking about, as the presence of authority should help maintain the social order and stop the crimes described and the development of more serious crimes.

Question 3

Strategies

Answer 3

Defensible space – Oscar Newman

Zero tolerance – Kelling and Sousa

Broken windows – Zimbardo

Foot patrol – Wilson and Kelling