Neighborhood Attributes and Crime Prevention Activity

Abstract

This research examines the relationship between population characteristics of neighborhood residents and participation in crime prevention activities by neighborhood associations. The characteristics of neighborhood residents are assessed with census data aggregated at the neighborhood level. Results indicate that neighborhood racial composition, socioeconomic status, and an age composition variable are indicators of expenditure of funds on crime prevention activities by neighborhood associations. Racial composition exhibited the strongest relationship to the existence of a local neighborhood association having a block watch program. Neighborhood characteristics were found to have no significant relationship with association participation in general crime prevention activities. The size of the association was not significantly related to participation in crime prevention.