Crowd Violence at North American Athletic Venues: A Crime Prevention and Law Enforcement Approach

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Crowd violence at North American athletic events has received significant media attention within recent years. While there has not been a pattern of serious crowd violence at North American sporting events, this behavior has become one of the most detrimental problems in many European countries. Due to the potential for violence associated with the convergence of large numbers of people, disorder within North American athletic events must be identified as a significant issue. Scholars have developed a multitude of theories to explain the factors that influence fan behavior. These theoretical perspectives have been utilized to create strategies that lower the prevalence of spectator disorder through the careful planning of venue design and atmosphere or through the implementation of innovative law enforcement tactics. In examining the literature, however, it is apparent that to reduce violence at athletic venues, potential strategies must incorporate crime prevention through environmental design and law enforcement initiatives. This poster will identify practical applications of violence reduction efforts in North America that involve both environmental design and policing techniques.

Authors

• Erica Renee Fissel, University of Cincinnati

• Hannah Denise McManus, University of Cincinnati