Situational Crime Prevention: Theory and Practice

Situational Crime Prevention

Focuses on specific crime types/settings, aims to reduce opportunities through environmental/managerial changes.

Environmental Criminology Theories

Includes rational choice, routine activity, and crime pattern theories operating at macro, meso, micro levels.

Problem-Solving Methodology

Structured approach: hypotheses development, solution identification, measures implementation, and results evaluation.

SARA Model

Structured problem-solving model used in problem-oriented policing.

Evaluation of Measures

Situational prevention projects undergo rigorous evaluation, including randomized trials and cost-benefit analyses.

Understanding Crime Commission

Crucial to comprehend crimes from offender's viewpoint, considering sequential decision-making in crime commission.

Crime Concentrations

Crime opportunities concentrate in hot spots, with repeat victims, certain products, and risky facilities.

Effectiveness and Criticisms

Successful in specific circumstances; concerns about displacement, diffusion of benefits, anticipatory benefits, and criminal adaptation.

Successful Interventions

Examples include improved security in public housing, enhanced street lighting, and vehicle tracking systems.

Negative Aspects

Criticism for promoting surveillance and inconvenience, but also empowers victims and enhances social interaction.

Opportunity in Crime

Speculation on reducing easy opportunities to have a multiplicative effect on crime volume.