CMY2602
– NOTES
,LEARNING UNIT 1
Impact of Crime on Communities
All communities are affected by crime, which creates a widespread impact on societal structures
and individual safety.
Crime Prevention
Definition: Crime prevention encompasses all measures undertaken by government policy and
private initiatives to prevent crime, excluding actions taken within the criminal justice system.
These measures are often classified as crime control.
Crime Prevention Models and Approaches
Crime prevention models refer to deliberate plans and actions aimed at preventing or controlling
crime.
Historical Development of Crime Prevention and Control in
South Africa
Low Intensity Warfare:
o Historical warfare techniques were employed to achieve political and social aims.
o These techniques have lasting psychological effects on the population, leading to a
learned response of violence and public disobedience in the face of resistance or
perceived threats.
o Consequently, this has fostered a negative attitude toward law enforcement agencies that
enforce unpopular laws or regulations.
Initial Perspectives:
o Historically, crime prevention was viewed primarily as the responsibility of the police,
courts, and correctional services.
Shift to Community-Based Approaches:
o Since the 1960s, crime prevention strategies have evolved to embrace a more informal,
community-based approach.
National Crime Prevention Plan (1996):
o The South African government adopted a comprehensive National Crime Prevention
Plan, which includes:
Establishment of a national institute linked to the National Growth and
Development Strategy Office.
Advocacy for an integrated, multidimensional crime prevention model facilitating
interdepartmental cooperation at central, regional, and local authority levels.
, The strategy is founded on four pillars:
1. Reduction of Crime: Through effective environmental planning and
design, aimed at reducing opportunities for crime and enhancing the
detection and identification of criminals.
2. Enhancement of Community Values: Implementing campaigns to
educate communities and alter their responses to crime and violence,
promoting public education and facilitating meaningful citizen
participation in crime prevention.
3. Transnational Crime Prevention: Developing strategies specifically
targeting crime that crosses borders.
4. Integrated Criminal Justice System: Creating a clear deterrent for
criminals and reducing recidivism rates.
Factors Crucial to Successful Crime Prevention
1. State and Community Involvement: Essential for the implementation of a comprehensive
crime prevention policy.
2. Multidimensional Approach: Incorporating various crime prevention models and their
respective programs.
3. Causation Theories: Developing crime prevention models and programs based on factors
contributing to crime and victimization.
4. Contextual Attention: Recognizing unique crime patterns and causes specific to a country or
neighborhood.
5. Planning and Evaluation: Ensuring crime prevention programs are well-planned and evaluated
for effectiveness and cost-efficiency.
Various Crime Prevention Approaches
Social Crime Prevention Model
Based on the understanding that socioeconomic structures such as families, schools, churches,
recreational facilities, and employment are vital socialization frameworks that instill community
norms and values.
Emphasizes enhancing "social capital" to protect individuals from crime, reflecting the adage, "It
takes a community to raise a child."
Recognizes that deficiencies in these structures can lead to increased crime.
Aims to support vulnerable groups (youth, elderly, low-income individuals) in reducing their
risk of engaging in or falling victim to crime.
Includes:
o Comprehensive state policies focused on urban and rural cleanup efforts to prevent
squatting and improve housing conditions.
o Employment policies that prioritize job creation.
o Educational policies with an emphasis on early childhood development.
o Family policies that promote parental guidance and family skills.
o Youth policies encouraging responsibility and emphasizing education, socialization, and
constructive leisure activities.
, o Health policies specifically targeting young children and initiatives addressing drug and
alcohol abuse.
Success is largely contingent upon the implementation of long-term programs.
Limiting Opportunities for Crime
Focuses on restricting the chances for criminal involvement, primarily targeting potential
victims, community members, and the physical environment.
Effective measures include:
o Urban and environmental planning aimed at revitalizing squatter and problem areas.
o Publicity campaigns that raise security awareness.
o Architectural design that enhances visibility and restricts access to reduce crime
opportunities.
o Installation of security features (e.g., burglar bars, vehicle tracking systems).
o Target removal strategies and technological solutions (e.g., electronic scanners at
airports).
o Deployment of supervisors and security personnel at access points.
o Utilization of closed-circuit television in high-risk areas and commercial spaces.
o Measures to combat internal crime in businesses through security protocols and
employee training.
Particularly effective in preventing property crimes, including burglary, theft from businesses,
shoplifting, vehicle theft, and vandalism.
Community-Based Crime Prevention Model
Operates on the principle that awareness of the risk of apprehension can deter potential offenders
in specific neighborhoods.
Examples of initiatives include:
o Neighbourhood watch programs.
o Citizen patrols.
o Community policing initiatives.
o Safe houses for at-risk individuals.
o Emergency alarm systems.
o Two-way radio communication networks among community members.
Biophysical Prevention Model
Focuses on inherent biological and psychological conditions that may predispose individuals to
criminal behavior.
Early identification and intervention are crucial in preventing crime, particularly concerning at-
risk youth.
Utilizes a combination of treatment programs tailored to the individual’s needs.
Psychological Prevention Model
Investigates psychological needs and disorders that may lead to criminal behavior, often
originating from early childhood experiences.
