Stakeholder Perceptions of Seattle Neighborhood Group’s Place-Based Community Crime Prevention Programs

• In Event: Community Building

Abstract

A large body of research demonstrates that police-led efforts can successfully reduce crime in small geographic areas, often referred to as hot spots. But police are not the only group well positioned to lead place-based crime control efforts. Indeed, there is a growing interest in many cities for nonprofits and community groups to play an increased leadership role in crime prevention and safety work. Despite this growing interest, there remain far fewer evaluations of place-based crime prevention projects that do not involve police. We draw from data collected as part of a process and outcome evaluation of the efforts of a nonprofit, Seattle Neighborhood Group, to implement community building and crime prevention work in four high crime locations in Seattle, Washington. In particular, we utilize qualitative data from semi-structured interviews conducted with community stakeholders in each location to examine their perceptions of the program, with a particular focus on identified successes and challenges. Our results suggest a number of perceived benefits of non-police approaches to crime prevention work in hot spots, particularly in areas where trust in police (and government more broadly) is low. But our interview data also point to challenges in the implementation and sustainability of these efforts.

Authors

• Cody Telep, Arizona State University

• Julie Hibdon, Southern Illinois University