Surveillance as Protection and Threat: Perceptions of Violence Prevention in Three Southern New Jersey Counties

• In Event: Protecting Marginalized Communities: Assessing Community-Based Policing Needs

Abstract

To understand perceptions of community violence, firearm violence, neighborhood safety, and violence prevention initiatives, 11 interviews with community and law enforcement leaders, 12 focus groups with 124 community residents, and 47 surveys were conducted in three Southern New Jersey counties. Many community members and community leaders spoke about the pervasiveness of surveillance, from police, from businesses, and from other residents and their homes. Many wanted more police surveillance, more neighborly watchfulness, and a better eye kept on youth during and after school. Some also said surveillance methods were biased and faulty, and created more fear rather than relieving it. Findings reveal a spectrum of attitudes towards surveillance, and bring up implications for how to increase community safety while also supporting individual freedom.

Authors

• Caroline Harmon-Darrow, Rutgers University School of Social Work

• Devon Ziminski, Walter Rand Institute, Rutgers University