NCJ Number
79336
Date Published
1981
Length
54 pages
Annotation
The objectives, activities, and staff observations are summarized for the Milwaukee Anti-Crime Project (MAP) from 1978-1980.
Abstract
MAP was implemented in September 1978, by the Community Relations-Social Development Commission, which assumed responsibility for the coordination, monitoring, and financial management of the grant. As specified in the original proposal to LEAA, MAP activities were subcontracted to 12-community-based organizations located in 4 geographic areas representing diverse racial and ethnic populations in the city. The purpose of the grant was to implement a variety of community crime prevention programs in the city using a coordination model. The number of organizations was reduced to seven during the second year of operation. The participating organizations include advocacy groups, community centers, and neighborhood organizations. MAP was based on the theory that reducing neighborhood isolation by building a sense of community can reduce the fear of victimization, increase residents' ability to take crime prevention measures, increase crime reporting, and ultimately reduce the incidence of crime. Activities in the first year focused on neighborhood association development, territorial reclamation and protection, youth participation and recognition, advocacy and information networks, victim assistance and support, and residential and individual security. Second-year activities dealt with strengthening citizen structures built to continue after the ending of the grant period, expanding community education efforts, continuing activities which bring neighbors together, and increasing coordinated efforts to combat community crime problems. Overall, the staff observed that the neighborhood focus is a useful model for establishing crime prevention activities, so long as it is cultivated by a staff properly trained in community development skills and procedures. Suggestions for improving the MAP model are offered. The objectives and activities of each of the groups involved in MAP projects are summarized. No references are cited.