NCJ Number
99784
Date Published
1984
Length
58 pages
Annotation
The booklet describes actions taken by groups and individual citizens to prevent or reduce crime; discusses reasons why some people turn to crime; and advocates a retributionist, punitive approach to dealing with criminals.
Abstract
Using statistics and examples of criminal incidents, the booklet demonstrates the seriousness of the crime problem and citizens' feelings of frustration with the criminal justice system. Programs established by citizens to fight crime are described, such as citizen patrols, neighborhood watch, and Crime Stoppers. The booklet discusses fear of crime and its effects on lifestyles, the increase in stranger-to-stranger crimes, and the excessive brutality of today's criminals. A brief survey of motivations for criminal behavior considers lack of family structure, poor economic conditions, inadequate police manpower, and the small percentage of criminals who are caught or given an appropriate prison sentence. The author supports the establishment of victim services and sentencing to fit the crime. A glossary, footnotes, and approximately 20 references are included.