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Addressing Violent Crime in Public Housing Developments

NCJ Number
158835
Date Published
1995
Length
29 pages
Annotation
Designed to assist law enforcement agencies in establishing or maintaining a concentrated law enforcement effort to address violent crime in public housing developments, this booklet describes successful law enforcement strategies and ideas that have been used across the country.
Abstract
The text explains the factors that must be analyzed when selecting a targeted area, the role of formal agreements between law enforcement and prosecutors prior to the initiation of the law enforcement effort, the role of public housing authorities, and the unique features of public housing. Initial strategies should include regular briefings to all participating agents and police officers, liaison with the public housing authority, consideration of a policy of issuing trespass warnings to any nonresidents and unauthorized guests, a review of existing security systems together with recommendations for improvements, and obtaining keys to vacant apartments. Regular foot patrols, as well as bicycle patrols, can be important law enforcement tools. Firearms trace studies, the use of existing law enforcement data bases, effective surveillance techniques, a public meeting to promote community involvement, the use of an established hotline, community policing, and training are all important program components. The Bureau of Justice Assistance has grant funds available for these programs. Photographs and case example from Chicago