Crime Reduction Policy

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 Crime Reduction Policy

In recent decades, the US has used tough approaches like increasing the number of

prisons and long prison terms to fight crime. According to scholars, a surge in imprisonment

predisposes communities to greater problems when prisoners are released back to the

community. A public health approach stands out as a favorable approach to fighting crime.

Scholars liken the use of public health with its focus on prevention to treatment. In criminal

behavior, a public health approach has the potential for a cost-effective reduction of crime.

Criminologists suggest strategies like expanding early childhood intervention programs,

changing male socialization patterns, improving neighborhood living conditions, and improving

schooling.

Theft and Assault Crime Intervention Approach

Claremont area with a focus on Claremont Gardens, Claremont Village Mall, and

Claremont High School records high crime rates. The high prevalence of theft and aggravated

assault crimes in Claremont demands the development of approach (s) to help reduce the high

crime rates. Theft crimes like vehicle theft and burglary emerge as the single most serious crime

in the area. The aggravated assault follows in second to ascertain the intensity of theft and assault

in Claremont. Strategic measures specific to the Claremont community's needs will drive

positive change in the fight against crimes.

Community Policing

Crime reduction requires commitment from law enforcers and members of the

community. Vehicle theft and burglary in the community impact all members demanding an

approach focused on creating awareness of the crime and seeking public collaboration to ensure
perpetrators are held accountable. Theft and burglary remain the most common form of property

crime in Claremont and a reflection of most communities across the country. Due to their labor-

intensive demand for an investigation, community collaboration makes an effective strategy to

aid police prevention efforts (Braga et al., 2019). Community policing as a strategy integrated

by law enforcers promotes organizational strategies to support systemic partnership and

problem-solving techniques for proactive addressing social disorder for increased public safety.

Members of the local community are involved in active participation to assist in preventing

criminal activities. Hot spots for theft and burglary are identified and members are notified to

increase alertness. Inviting community members to open forums for discussions allows for their

participation in the definition of the problem and potential remedies. Community members

present approaches for maintaining close rapport with law enforcers. Promoting openness

between law enforcers and the community builds on trust and enhances increased motivation for

cooperation.

Law enforcers inform the community members of outlined strategies to increase

acceptability and support. In Claremont’s case, the high rate of theft and burglary demands the

integration of violence intervention measures to ensure members can protect themselves.

Diversity training and awareness creation should be integrated to allow community members to

understand varying interaction mechanisms for effective understanding of strategies.

Pros of Community Policing

Integrating a community policing strategy increases the chances of success fight of

crimes. Correct implementation encourages the improved community-police relationship. A

positive rapport between the community and public promotes a changed perception of crime,

increases reporting mechanisms, and easier adoption of community protection measures

presence and close contact allow members of the public to show increased concern for the affairs

of the community. High alertness to assess the situation in major crime hotspots especially theft

and burglary limits potential perpetrators from engaging in criminal behaviors (Higgins, 2018).

Community members have an assurance of frequent police presence and heightened cooperation

especially when a case of theft or burglary is reported. Sharing of information increases, assisting

crime resolution. Community policing also allows input from the local level allowing members

to contribute towards enhancing their safety. In a community where members' views are

integrated, crime rates tend to reduce significantly.

Cons of Community Policing

Minority communities due to bad experiences with law enforcers can exhibit a lack of

trust in the initiative. The move can be interpreted as a mechanism to increase profiling given

previous experience with wrong crime accusations or motivated targeting of certain minority

groups due to associated stereotypes. Increased innocent killings of African Americans make the

initiative difficult due to a lack of cooperation with law enforcers. In addition, community

policing accomplishments by law enforcers are immeasurable and at times difficult to quantify.

Community members may demand figures for affirmation that may be against their jurisdiction.

Besides, community policing terminologies may put off common citizens due to a lack of

knowledge. Inability to expound on the policy guidelines limits community members'

comprehension restricting the implementation process (Higgins, 2018). Community policing

revolves around liaising with community members, the absence of cooperation makes the fight

against crime difficult.

The Claremont area records a high prevalence of theft and assault. Either crime occurs in

violent ways hence a need for law enforcers to integrate a place-based approach. The strategy

focuses on identifying discrete locations within the community. The crime analysis report

highlight specific locations are highly predisposed to crime. The approach factors in locations

identified to channel resources to. Increased police presence in hot spot areas enhances a better

geographical understanding of crime (Andresen and Weisburd, 2018). The type of crime

determines the type of patrol dispatched to the crime hot spot. Normally, walking foot patrol and

patrol vehicle lights are utilized. Violent crimes like aggravated assault demand stationary patrol

lights. Law enforcers quickly respond to on-spot theft by tracking individuals suspected of

committing a crime. Stationary patrols also allow law enforcers to familiarize themselves with

community members and pick on weird behaviors (Andresen and Weisburd, 2018). Community

members report promptly to law enforcers when crimes occur. The mere presence of the officers

in hot spot areas creates a sense of safety and assurance for the community members. Swift

investigations, coupled with increased cooperation from the community improve the fight against

crime.

Foot patrol tactic in the fight against crime normally enhances the reduction of property-

related crimes. Theft crime within Claremont impacts a majority of the population. Integrating

foot patrols around specific locations will promote reduced crime incidents. The high prevalence

of aggravated assault and theft likely occur due to the absence of law enforcers within the area to

create a sense of safety. Individuals committing crimes are motivated by the availability of easy

targets, the absence of law enforcement, or the desire to harass innocent/defenseless individuals.
The presence of foot patrols creates a safer environment intimidating individuals with a

motivated desire to commit a crime (Andresen and Weisburd, 2018). Random patrols look out

for vulnerable community members and their property. The community remains highly alert with

the presence of foot patrols promoting increased cooperation. Foot patrols promote a significant

decrease in theft cases given the prompt presence of law enforcers all around estates. To enhance

the effective implementation of foot patrol, community members are informed of measures

integrated to create a conducive working environment for law enforcers. The absence of proper

communication can deter efforts geared toward creating a safe environment.

Pros of Place-Base Policing

Place-based policing allows for crime concentration across specific locations in the

community. Intersecting routines for potential offenders and victims enhances close monitoring

as opposed to having law enforcers spread across neighborhoods. In the event a crime like theft

or assault occurs in a hot spot area, a quick response allows apprehension of the offender; it is

easier to investigate individuals from specific locations as opposed to a widespread search that

makes the process lengthy and time-consuming (Andresen and Weisburd, 2018). Crime

specificity significantly reduces crime rates and creates high awareness for members of the

community. Law enforcers utilize the approach by conducting thorough crime mapping,

identifying offenders caught, and formulating crime analysis to allow a comprehensive

understanding of crime patterns and potential underlying factors. To curb crime, law enforcers

must identify the root cause and integrate the community’s support; place-based policing

facilitates this concept.

Cons of Place-Based Policing

reduction. Research studies indicate that patrol time by law enforcers within a certain range

produces varying efficacy rates. The designated patrol time may differ from one location to the

other. When law enforcers spend less than 20 minutes in an area, their presence has a limited

impact on crime reduction. Lack of clarity over patrol time or an officer's decision to limit time

spent in one location can negatively impact the end goal of the patrol approach.

Best Practices Used by Agencies to Curb Crime

According to a report from the Office of the Attorney General in the Department of

Justice scientifically proven strategies to reduce violent crime, four principles are integrated.

Foster trust and enhance legitimacy in communities, invest in community-based

prevention/intervention programs, set strategic enforcement priorities, and measure results

(Mcmanus et al., 2020). Notably, Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) remains the leading

initiative across state, local, and federal levels that has enhanced the development of

comprehensive solutions (Mcmanus et al., 2020). PSN brings together state, federal, and local

law enforcers with community partners and researchers to develop gun violence reduction

strategies. The practice has enhanced a significant reduction in gun violence. PSN also aids in a

significant reduction of aggravated assaults; the Claremont area must integrate the practice to

help fight current crime rates.

Community-based approaches like community policing, broken window policing, and

procedural justice policing are widely recommendedas best practices by most state police

agencies. The practice promotes mobilization of the community against crime while

encouraging homegrown solutions to ensure underlying problems are addressed. Public

perception of police is redeemed to encourage trust and collaboration. Broken window policing
addresses specific neighborhood incivilities to renew economic/social vitality and foster

community order (Mcmanus et al., 2020). Focusing on social and physical disorders enhances

the community’s ability to exercise social control while maintaining order without the presence

of law enforcers. Procedural justice policing promotes increased willingness by community

members to collaborate in maintaining public safety. The members willingly support community

crime reduction procedures, contact police to report witnessed crimes, assist in criminal

investigations, and comply with the law.

In conclusion, the high prevalence of crime rates demands the integration of crime

reduction policy measures. The strategies identified include community policing and place-based

policing. The practices reinforce collaboration between law enforcement and the community to

develop solutions specific to community needs.

Andresen, M.A., and Weisburd, D. (2018), "Place-based policing: new directions, new

challenges", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 41 No. 3, pp. 310-

313. https://doi.org/10.1108/PIJPSM-06-2018-178

Braga, A. A., Turchan, B., Papachristos, A. V., & Hureau, D. M. (2019). Hot spots policing of

small geographic areas effects on crime. Campbell Systematic Reviews, 15(3).

https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.1046

Higgins, M. (2018, October 18). Community Policing. Ebpsociety.org.

https://www.ebpsociety.org/blog/education/340-community-policing

Mcmanus, H., Robin, S., Engel, Jennifer, C., Cherkauskas, Sarah, C., Light, Amanda, M., &

Shoulberg, M. (2020). Street Violence Crime Reduction Strategies: A Review of the

Evidence. https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/Research%20Center/Violence

%20Reduction%20Literature%20Review_FINAL.pdf