CRIME AND CONTROL

CRIME AND CONTROL



CRIME AND CONTROL

There is no single definition for Avoidance of crime. Different authors and studies offer varying definitions. Many early definitions actually used the term crime control either in place of Avoidance of crime or within the definition. However, crime control alludes to maintenance of a given or existing level of crime and the management of that amount of crime behaviour. True Avoidance of crime looks to do more than just maintain a certain level of crime or to manage offenders and crime. Paul Ekblom offers a definition that revolves around interventions that reduce the risk of crime and its consequences. Such a definition addresses both crime and its impact on individuals and society. One of the very important consequences of crime that should be addressed in Avoidance initiatives is the fear of crime. While most definitions of Avoidance of crime incorporate the ideas of lessening the actual levels of crime or limiting further increases in crime, few specifically deal with the problem of fear of crime and perceived crime and victimization. Steven P. Lab offers a definition that explicitly addresses crime and the fear of crime: Avoidance of crime entails any action designed to reduce the actual level of crime and/or the perceived fear of crime. (Bowers, Johnson, 2005)

Avoidance of Crime activities are not limited to the efforts of the criminal justice system. They comprise actions by individuals and groups, both public and private. Just as there are many causes of crime, there are many potentially valuable approaches to Avoidance of crime. This entry examines Avoidance of crime from a very broad perspective. Included here is a discussion of the history of Avoidance of crime, different Avoidance of crime models, and major Avoidance of crime approaches, as well as insight into the effectiveness of Avoidance activities. (Brantingham, Faust, 2006)

The Avoidance of crime Model

Brantingham and Faust note that primary Avoidance within the realm of criminal justice “identifies conditions of the physical and social environment that provide opportunities for or precipitate criminal acts” (1976, p. 288). The types of Avoidance approaches subsumed here included environmental design, Neighbourhood Watch, general deterrence, private security, and education about crime and Avoidance of crime. Environmental design includes a wide range of Avoidance of crime techniques aimed at making crime more difficult for the offender, surveillance easier for residents, and feelings of safety more widespread. The use of building plans conducive to visibility, the addition of lights and locks, and the marking of property for ease of identification fall within the realm of environmental design. Neighbourhood watches and citizen patrols increase the ability of residents to exert control over their neighbourhood and add risk of observation for potential offenders. (Cornish, 2003)

Activities of the criminal justice system also fall within the realm of primary Avoidance. The presence of the police may affect the attractiveness of an area for crime as well as lower the fear of crime. The courts and corrections may influence primary Avoidance by increasing perceived risk of crime for ...