NCJ Number
213803
Date Published
April 2006
Length
70 pages
Annotation
This report provides guidelines for law enforcement in creating and sustaining partnerships with businesses to address public safety issues.
Abstract
The effectiveness of traditional methods in dealing with business crime has not always been successful. This is evidenced by the high level of business victimization. A problem-solving approach involving business partnerships holds a great deal of promise. Partnerships can be small and short-lived, with the goal of addressing one particular problem, or can entail many partners, address complex social issues, and function for an extended period of time. This guide developed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and their Problem-Oriented Guides for Police, Problem-Solving Tool Series addresses crime prevention partnerships and related issues. It begins by discussing the impact of crime against businesses and the roles businesses play in contributing to crime. It presents and analyzes different forms of partnerships and strategies for forming partnerships. It lists characteristics of good and bad partnerships, as well as ideas for overcoming barriers and challenges that may prevent businesses from participating in crime prevention partnerships. The guide concludes with some examples of business-police partnerships and programs that have shown to be effective, such as security upgrades and targeting repeat victimization, as well as those that have been untested, such as storefront substations, business police academies, and business watch. References, recommended readings, and other problem-oriented guides for police