Topic 5 - Crime Prevention

Question 1

Key Research

Answer 1

Wilson + Kelling (1982) - The Police and Neighbourhood sefety: Broken Windows

Question 2

Policing in Newark

Answer 2

Carried out in 28 cities
More police officers on foot on the streets

There was no decrease in Crime rates
Residents felt more secure
Residents believed crime rates had droped
More willing to leave their homes
Positive attitude towards Police

Police were able to establish informal rules with ‘regulars’ to maintain order

Question 3

Broken Window Theory

Answer 3

If a window is broken and not repaired then it signals that no-one cares and crime will increase.

Untended vandalism can lead to a loss of community controls.

Areas with ‘broken windows’ become susceptible to criminal invasion.

Question 4

The way ahead

Answer 4

Incidences of vigilantism, eg. Guardian Angels. in New York.

Neighbourhoods should be targeted which are believed to be at their tipping point.

Question 5

Cohen + Felson

Answer 5

3 factors must be present for a crime to occur
- Suitable Target
- Motivated Offender
- Absence of ‘capable’ guardian

A target’s suitability of attack is based on 4 criteria:
- Value
- Inertia
- Visibility
- Access

Question 6

Zero Tolerence Policy in New York

Answer 6

Application of the Broken Windows Theory

1. Subway Graffiti (1984-199) = A cleaning station set up in the Bronx. Children were allowed to paint murals on the trains and then they were painted over.
2. Subway-fare dodging (1990-94) = Teams of up to 10 officers in casual clothese were at stations with high-levels of fare-dodging. 1/7th of those arrested had an out-standing warrant for another crime.
3. Quality of Life (1994-) = Focus shifted to inididuals such as public drunks.

Question 7

Brown

Answer 7

Investigated the effect of installing CCTV on crime rates in Newcastle.

After CCTV had been installed, there was a 50% reduction in burgulary in Newcastle.

Question 8

Burrows

Answer 8

4 London Tube stations were compared before and after CCTV was installed.

Crime reduced by 70% in the 4 stations
Crime only reduced by 25% in the 15 closest stations

CCTV merely displaces crime rather than preventing it.

Question 9

Ernest-Jones

Answer 9

University Cafe
Displayed posters asking students to clear up their litter.

Posters either had pictures of flowers of of eyes.

Result-
50% less littering when the posters featured eyes.

Question 10

How could the Police reduce crime in the UK ?

Answer 10

1. Increase Police on Streets = W+K
2. Install CCTV in crime hotspots = Brown
3. Posters with Eyes = Ernest-Jones et al.