Problem-Oriented Policing and Crime Prevention

In recent years a new approach to preventing crime as opposed to reacting after offenses have occurred has gained support among police agencies worldwide. This new crime prevention strategy targets the underlying local problems that generate recurring offenses. According to Dr. Anthony Braga s comprehensive overview of worldwide research, this emerging problem-oriented policing approach has now been proven effective in reducing a wide range of crimes and disorders. The introduction explains why police have recently adopted the problem-oriented strategy to prevent crime, and Chapter 2 describes the specific steps involved in carrying out this approach. The next three chapters respectively analyze the results of problem-oriented projects centered on: (1) targeting high-crime places (such as drug dealing venues, violence-prone taverns, and abandoned sites that breed lawlessness); (2) deterring high-activity, repeat offenders; and (3) protecting victims of repeat offenses. Many of the most innovative projects effect changes in local environments in order to block opportunities for committing crime. Chapter 6 discusses how to improve problem-oriented policing in three critical areas: improving crime analysis, measuring program effectiveness, and securing productive partnerships with community residents and academic researchers. The author concludes with a chapter of final thoughts, and provides a comprehensive set of references. This is the only book recommended by the non-profit Center for Problem-Oriented Policing for use in all modules of its Model POP Curriculum, including courses for undergraduates and graduate students, and training programs for pre-service and in-service police personnel.