Research efforts of the Department of Justice, first developed in the early 1970's, focused on increasing knowledge and understanding to promote more effective crime prevention. The National Institute of Justice has sponsored numerous studies of crime and the environment. Evaluations of these studies conclude that neighborhood security can be influenced through use of environmental, community, and police strategies that help increase residents' feelings of responsibility for their neighborhoods. Citizen action programs can also be effective in reinforcing crime prevention strategies. Future research needs should include studying those factors that produce criminal behavior as well as the relationship between crime and other social problems. (Resources in Education (ERIC) abstract)