Book Description

This report addresses the need for community support and involvement in the reduction of criminal opportunity, the delivery of public services, and government integrity. The National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals defines community crime prevention as activity outside the conventional criminal justice system directed toward reducing crime. Assuming no single solution to the crime problem, the Commission has proposed nearly 75 standards and recommendations that focus on citizen action, the delivery of public services, the reduction of criminal opportunities, and integrity in government. This volume spells out for the individual, the community organization, and the local government, what can and should be done by them to reduce crime. Citing action by private citizens as the heart of community crime prevention, the Commission urges more citizen involvement with neighborhood security, volunteer work, and community improvement. Citizen concern should be channeled into community organizations and governing bodies and these agencies should encourage and support citizen action programs. Public service delivery proposals stress the need for coordinating existing services. Job opportunities in high unemployment areas need to be expanded and unnecessary restrictions on hiring ex-offenders should be eliminated. The Commission recommends implementation of career education in elementary and secondary schools, establishment and support of youth service bureaus, and individualized treatment for drug offenders. Building design, security codes, and street lighting are covered as effective citizen crime precautions. The Commission also discusses conflict of interest, government procurement, zoning, licensing and tax assessment and advocates supervision of political campaign financing and investigation and prosecution of government corrupters.