The increased regulation, monitoring, surveillance, and regimentation of "public space" is not going to solve the problem of either "street crime" by juveniles or of negative police-youth relationships (linked to lack of "consumer" status on the part of some juveniles). Politically, the expanded use of public order offenses by local and State governments as a means to control street life will exacerbate the tensions and conflicts already evident in most urban centers. Similarly, attempts to push juveniles out of formerly "public spaces" by redefining this space according to commercial, consumeristic criteria directly challenges the needs and desires of juveniles to assert their autonomy and to congregate with their peers in places outside of close adult or state control. The roots of juvenile crime are rampant youth unemployment, poverty, and inequality. Attempts to limit the visibility of juveniles in groups or gangs will only aggravate their frustration and rebelliousness. Without income and space of their own, without social respect and personal self-esteem, juveniles have nothing to lose in rebelling in whatever fashion or manner they may choose against a system that oppresses them while ignoring policies and services that could improve their lives. 33 references