Although crime, fear, and the punitive approach have all increased in the United States in the last two decades, some efforts have focused on trying approaches that may be more effective and are less costly. Such efforts could have the most impact on crime if they focus in inner-city ghettos, where residents are disproportionately involved as perpetrators and victims of crime. Three successful neighborhood self-help programs in inner cities are Argus in New York City, El Centro in Puerto Rico, and the House of Umoja in Philadelphia. Programs like these face many barriers, particularly funding. They should receive regular government support, rather than being expected to become increasingly self-sufficient. Another model that addresses crime causes and reduces crime opportunities simultaneously is exemplified by the Eisenhower Foundation program, which operates at 10 locations and is currently being evaluated. The final model is opportunity reduction, as exemplified by block watches and citizen patrols. If the Eisenhower Foundation program experiences only modest success, it will have done so at a much lower cost than other programs and with the added benefit of empowering the minority poor. Nevertheless, the trend toward increasing law enforcement and imprisonment continues. 20 references.