Community and Police Perspectives on Crime Drivers and Solutions

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

Introduction: Improving safety in high-crime, low-wealth neighborhoods requires effective partnerships among residents, police, and community organizations. Residents, as experts in the lived experience of their neighborhood, are vital sources of information regarding drivers of and sustainable solutions to addressing crime.

Methods: In 2016, qualitative data regarding drivers of crime and solutions were collected through 4 focus groups and 10 interviews with neighborhood residents, law enforcement, and community organizations in a low-wealth, high-crime neighborhood in a mid-sized Southern city. Focus groups and interviews were transcribed verbatim and open and axial coding was used to identify themes. Themes were presented to the participants and the broader community for confirmation.

Results: Key themes that emerged from the analyses include: residents’ lack of trust of institutions (including the police and researchers); community building and crime prevention opportunities, particularly for young people; leveraging existing neighborhood strengths; effective reintegration of incarcerated individuals; and building trust through on-the-ground policing.

Conclusions: Residents and other key stakeholders are essential partners in the process of identifying drivers and viable solutions to perceived crime and safety concerns. Overcoming mistrust and effectively engaging residents, law enforcement and community partners in the research process can increase effectiveness and sustainability of crime reduction efforts.

Authors

• Birgitta Baker, Pennsylvania State University

• Mary Ellen Brown, Arizona State University