HISTORY AND PRINCIPLES OF CRIME PREVENTION
Reducing Criminal Opportunity
Criminologists have debated for years why crimes are committed and what causes a person to
commit a crime. The focus of these debates has varied from looking at the actual event, the person
who commits the crime or the entire environment where the crime occurs. Crime prevention, as
defined by the Texas Crime Prevention Institute, does not focus on any one theory of criminology
but considers elements from many schools of thought to foster a variety of preventive techniques. By
taking a combination of steps, based on the various schools of criminology, the potential for success
should be increased.
A community can employ many techniques that may positively influence the criminal; however,
three areas of action are recommended, because they are pivotal to the overall process. These
concern improving personal and property security, increasing surveillance levels, expanding public
involvement, and developing new approaches to resist crime.
Crime prevention is a form of resistance for individual and group use. By taking specific steps, a
person may improve the security of his environment in a way that a potential attacker will feel is “…
so formidable that he does not believe his abilities will enable him to reach the single forbidden
fruit” (National Crime Prevention Institute, 13). Security measures refer not only to the “…
installation and operation of more sophisticated locking devices, but more conscientious utilization
of devices that are currently installed” (National Prevention Institute, 13). Many people argue that
simply using existing locks and latches can reduce burglaries, In too many instances, a perpetrator
takes advantage of unlocked doors and windows as a means of entering a building or vehicle. If they
are properly secured, the crime may never occur.
By far, the most important element in the crime prevention formula is the public. Although it is
difficult to make some people believe, crime is truly a community problem and must be viewed as
such if we are to significantly reduce it. Community security cannot be achieved unless every
individual is convinced that he/she has an important obligation not only to his own security but also
to the safety and security of others.
Another element, developing new approaches to crime prevention, is critical to sustaining interest
and maintaining momentum in prevention programming. The prevention field is new to the public
sector, and we are constantly learning new techniques and approaches. Citizens and practitioners
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alike must continually evaluate their programming and strategies in order to modify or redirect their
efforts when necessary.
The Crime Triangle
Theory of Opportunity Reduction
1.
Criminal behavior is ____________________.
2.
_________________criminal opportunity reduces the opportunity to learn criminal behavior.
3.
Criminal opportunity is lessened by improved security and increased ______________ by the
public.
Four D’s of Crime Prevention
1.__________________________________________
2.__________________________________________
3.__________________________________________
4.___________________________________________
Crime Prevention: A Contemporary Definition
The definition of crime prevention, originally formulated by the English and adopted by the Texas
Crime Prevention Institute, considers crime prevention an integral part of security. Thus, the brand
of prevention promoted by TCPI is based on self-defense for individuals and organizations and
emphasizes actions taken before a crime is committed.
While considering this definition. It is helpful to recognize that crime may result from both the
desire to commit a misdeed and the feeling or belief that the opportunity is available (Wilson 1963,
2-7). While sociologists, human relationists, psychologists, and others, including the police, may
someday reduce the desire to commit crime, “… a more formidable area to attack is criminal
opportunity” (National Crime Prevention Institute, 6). Crime risks may be viewed as a criminal
opportunity. (i.e., dark streets, unprotected buildings, inadequate locks and safes, and poorly planned
facilities).
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The role of crime prevention is to anticipate crime will occur when risks are high, recognize when a
high-crime risk exists, appraise the seriousness of the particular risk, and encourage and stimulate
action to remove or reduce the risk (National Crime Prevention Institute, 6).
Crime Prevention is “The anticipation, recognition, and appraisal of a crime risk and the initiation of action to
remove or reduce it” (Home Office Crime Prevention Program)
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Evaluation Demonstrates Effectiveness in Six Key Areas
1.______________________________________________
2.______________________________________________
3.______________________________________________
4.______________________________________________
5.______________________________________________
6.______________________________________________
The Birth of the Concept
The roots of crime Prevention, as we know it today, are found in Great Britain. The concept emerged
early in the 19th century, and until that time, all police took action after a crime was committed.
Swift and severe punishment was the principal deterrent of crime. This punishment reminded
potential criminals not to break the law. Although everyone was expected to comply with and assist
the police in their fight against crime, the severity and inconsistency of punishment offered little to
assure the citizen that her/his cooperation would not lead him to the gallows (Home Office Crime
Prevention Training Centre, 1).
Crime was rampant throughout England and Wales in 1655, when Oliver Cromwell led an effort to
establish and organized body of professional police. This attempt was strongly opposed, principally
by the wealthy, but Cromwell prevailed, and England and Wales were divided into twelve police
districts. Opposition to the concept continued to grow, however, and Cromwell was forced to
abandon his effort.
In 1729, Thomas DeVeil was appointed to the Commission of Peace for the County of Middlesex in
the city of Westminster and is recognized as the first important in the history of the British police
and crime prevention. A common feeling at the time was that those who enforced the law had a
vested interest in crime. Determined to alter the system, DeVeil’s developed an organization of
“Thief Takers” and “Informers.” These groups attempted to prevent crime before it occurred and
identify wrongdoers after the fact (Home Office Crime Prevention Training Centre, 2) .deVeil’s
approach had merit, but crime continued to increase.
Historians give Henry Fielding credit for taking the first positive steps in forming a “responsible”
police organization. Specifically, Fielding has been heralded as “… the originator of the change of
attitude toward policing generally and the prevention of crime in particular” (Home Office Crime
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Prevention Training Centre, 3). Beginning in the mid-1700s, Fielding set two goals: stamp out
existing crime and prevent outbreaks of future crimes.
The prevention focus, Fielding’s adopted major goal, was considered revolutionary. Clearly, it had
not been seriously attempted before this time (Home Office Crime Prevention Training Centre, 3)
Fielding also identified three objectives necessary to achieving his goals: “1) The development of a
strong police force, 2) The organization of an active group of citizens-a body of citizen
householders, and 3) The initiation of action which would serve to remove some of the causes of
crime and the conditions in which it flourished” (Home Office Crime Prevention Training Centre, 3).
Combined with these objectives, which remain as basic principles for crime prevention, Fielding
initiated the “… first crime prevention … campaign by appealing to the public through
advertisements in the press…” (Home Office Crime Prevention Training Centre, 3) Before he saw
the total implementation of an organized police system, Fielding died. His half-brother, John
Fielding, who was involved as his companion and assistant, continued the work.
Sir Robert Peel further advanced crime prevention in 1829. Based upon his efforts to organize
support for a more formalized and stronger police force than had ever existed, the English
Parliament passed the Metropolitan Police Act, which is often cited, as modern policing’s
foundation. The field instructions issued to the officers employed under this act clearly illustrate that
crime prevention is not a new
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concept.
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