Crime Control in the City: A Research-Based Briefing on Public and Private Measures (original) (raw)

Crime control deserves priority in urban policymaking. High crime rates are a drag on community development and a great burden on households that cannot afford to relo­ cate. Successful control of theft, vandalism, public disorder (often associated with drug selling), and especially violence set the stage for increasing property values, investment, job growth, and a higher standard of living. The fact that most large cities are far safer today than they were two decades ago has contributed to the growth and prosperity of those cities. Nevertheless, crime rates can be remarkably volatile—more so than other social indicators—and require continuing attention. Recent history teaches us that large fluctuations in crime rates can occur without much change in underlying socioeconomic conditions. Although crime tends to be concentrated in low-resource neighborhoods year in and year out, crime rates are not uniquely deter­ mined by the socioeconomic conditions—far from it. The quantity and q...