Reducing Crime Through Design in the Chicago Subway System

• NCJ Number: 117921
• Author(s): M Falanga
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 237 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Draft dissertation submitted for degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of Michigan, 1988

Annotation

This dissertation examines the Chicago rapid rail transit system to determine how station design influences transit crime.

Abstract

Two groups were interviewed for the study: 64 Chicago Police Department Transit Unit Police and 13 Chicago Transit Authority booth agents. All respondents worked at the Washington and Jackson Street stations on the State Street line, two high crime stations. All had significant work experience in the transit system. The study concludes that crimes against persons are likely to occur in subway stations that permit large, moving, congested crowds or people in isolation to be seen by the perpetrators. Areas where few people pass are usually vandalized by graffiti. Several escape routes often exist for the perpetrators. The study proposes several station designs that limit access and escape and do not permit large assemblies or isolation. Only paying passengers would be admitted to the stations. Bibliography and recommendations for future research.