NCJ Number
147656
Editor(s)
J Webster
Date Published
1987
Length
35 pages
Annotation
This report describes and evaluates the Staffordshire Police Activity and Community Enterprise (SPACE) program, A British program designed to provide activities for juveniles during the summer vacation period (part of July and the month of August).
Abstract
The current countywide program started in July 1983. In that year, the program offered more activities than ever before and served approximately 22,000 children. Program activities include horseback riding, canoeing, walking, swimming, and competitive events. The police force manages the program, and funding is from a number of sources, including the police budget and local and national businesses. Although all children are eligible for the program and it is widely advertised in the county, children who live in relatively high-crime areas are particularly encouraged to enroll in the program. To investigate the impact of the program on crime during the period of the program's operation, offense statistics were obtained for Staffordshire County and for three neighboring jurisdictions of similar size and demography. The offenses selected for analysis are usually more likely to involve juveniles: burglary, theft of and from motor vehicles, shop crime, and criminal damage. Crime data were examined for two 5-year periods (October 1976 through September 1981 and October 1981 through September 1986). These were periods before and after the SPACE Program became countywide. Findings show that the SPACE Program has attracted youth in Staffordshire. It is popular with the public and enhances relations between police and the public. There is evidence of an association between the program and a crime reduction during the program's operation. 7 tables, 8 figures, and photographic illustrations.