Putting Theory to Work: Implementing Situational Prevention And Problem-oriented Policing (Crime Prevention Studies)

Situational crime prevention and problem-oriented policing (POP) are related approaches to preventing crime and disorder that center on reducing people's opportunities to commit crime by creating more crime-resistant environments, products and systems. But according to the editors of this volume, these two approaches also share a weakness: they have neglected the implementation stage, when prevention measures are put into practice. The 12 contributing authors to this anthology are researchers who have also been directly involved in carrying out situational or problem-oriented initiatives. Their chapters provide practical guidance and general principles on how to get the most out of crime prevention efforts. The introduction by editors Johannes Knutsson (Norwegian Police University College) and Ronald V. Clarke (Rutgers University-Newark) offers ten concise guidelines for effectively carrying out prevention initiatives. The chapter by Michael S. Scott provides an overview of lessons learned from the many problem-oriented policing projects conducted in the U.S. and abroad. The vital role of project management in the success of community safety initiatives is highlighted by Rick Brown. Gloria Laycock describes the community conflicts and tensions that crime reduction measures often generate. Johannes Knutsson's case study illustrates the value of coordinated public-private partnerships in the success of a local POP project. Peter Homel outlines how national agencies should support local crime prevention efforts. Mike Hough attributes recent high-profile failures to the adoption of politically-driven tactics at the expense of strategic solutions. According to Kate J. Bowers and Shane D. Johnson, the knowledge gained from past projects makes it possible to anticipate and avoid implementation pitfalls. Ken Pease focuses on the frequent lack of fit between the intentions of those who promote crime prevention projects versus those who are assigned to put them into practice. And Nick Tilley evaluates two broad approaches to identifying good practice in crime prevention, while also highlighting the vital importance of "tacit" knowledge that is passed along in personal contacts with veteran practitioners.