PERCEPTIONS OF BYSTANDER WILLINGNESS TO INTERVENE ON BEHALF OF VICTIMS OF CRIMINAL ASSAULTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF COPRODUCTIVE STRATEGIES

• NCJ Number: 146313
• Journal: Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: (1992) Pages: 40- 54
• Author(s): D Brosnan
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article focuses on coproduction as a strategy for crime prevention. Researchers studied the relationship among factors that were expected to affect bystanders' willingness to intervene in a criminal assault situation, in other words, their willingness to participate in coproduction.

Abstract

Crime prevention strategies that emphasize the siege or fortification model are not always possible or desirable. The concept of coproduction through bystander intervention is suggested as a strategy for limiting vulnerability and reducing the opportunity for crime in public places. In a study of New York City subway riders, researchers examined the relationship among factors that were expected to contribute to a persons belief that they would intervene if they were a bystander to a criminal assault, i.e., that they would participate in coproduction. Based on previous studies, three models were identified for examining bystander willingness to intervene. These models are: 1) the bystander's belief in their own and law enforcement's ability to protect themselves and others (protective capacity), 2) bystander's previous experience with crime, and 3) social attributes of the individual. Researchers found no relationship between bystander's previous experience and their willingness to intervene. The protective capacity model proved to be very important. The research showed that the bystander's perception of the willingness of other bystanders to intervene was the most powerful predictor of whether they themselves would intervene in a criminal assault situation. Although the majority believed that other bystanders would not intervene, 93 percent reported they would be willing to intervene if they thought others would join them. Carrying a weapon and gender also had significant relationships to the decision to intervene. Men made up the majority of respondents who said they would intervene. 2 tables