Criminal Activity in Community - Essay Example

Community Change

Introduction

Security in the community is a fundamental concern as the safety of a respective neighborhood is instrumental in ensuring members in the region can carry out their day-to-day activities without the pressure or fear of being attacked. Insecurities ranging from robbery to kidnapping among others disrupt the peace and flow of events in a community as families are put at risk by the occurrence of such incidences. Proper curbing of such concerns is fundamental in ensuring members of a respective community can coexist in harmony and engage in their respective activities without the fear of being victims or casualties of insecurity. This work will provide a distinct analysis of the different ways in which insecurity affects the normal functioning of a respective community. A detailed focus on kidnappings and robberies will aid in narrowing the research into providing a resourceful study that addresses how these insecurity concerns can be dealt with in respective societies. In a civilization where crime and violence such as kidnappings and robbery are rampant, the community needs to establish a strong well-equipped police force, educate its youth and engage the societal members in policing to help eradicate and reduce such evils in the neighborhood.

Rate of Criminal Activities

The existence of criminal activities disrupts the existence of a social balance in the community. Areas that are prone to insecurity cases are more likely to impact the decision of individuals to move or settle in such areas. According to John, only 43% of violent crimes in America were reported to the police. When it comes to property crimes, only 34% were reported (John, 1). This indicates a major concern, which needs to be addressed to ensure individuals in neighborhoods do not feel they coexist in an unsafe environment. Areas that are prone to criminal activities have a direct impact on the development of the respective community as individuals are less likely to invest in such regions due to the fear of being victims. Cases such as robberies are derailing factors that impact numerous development activities as businesses, properties and establishments can be targeted by criminals.

According to United States Congress House Committee on the Judiciary (336), the robbery rate in America as by 2018 was at a rate of 86.2 cases per 100,000 individuals. These numbers are alarming as the occurrence of such cases not only lead to loss of property, but can also put the lives of victims at risk. Despite the numbers reducing from a rate of 148.5 cases as of 1990, more efforts need to be channeled to protecting neighborhoods from such alterations (Erin 1). When it comes to crimes such as kidnapping, the most vulnerable groups are children as they are deemed as being an easier target by abductors. Karin (1) explains that 74% of these victims are girls and the majorities are abducted by being lured into vehicles. 80% of these abductions were found to occur close to the child’s home hence, a clear indication of these cases happens close to neighborhoods which these children reside in, respectively.

Effects of Criminal Activities in Neighborhoods

Safety in the community is a gruesome issue that affects numerous neighborhoods across the globe. Thus, respective administrations and security details must focus on safeguarding the lives and properties of individuals in society. In neighborhoods, individuals prefer to be indoors during night-time as this is a period that is widely known to be unsafe in numerous locations. This can directly be linked to the existence of weak protective systems in place to protect civilians from being attacked or robbed. It is the role of the police administration to ensure they have the right frameworks in place to curb such tendencies and habits in the community. 

According to Schuck (89), the existence of criminal activities in neighborhoods disrupts cohesion amongst community members. Crime discourages collaborative efforts as individuals might be glued to preventing their families from interacting with fellow neighborhoods due to the fear of interacting with people who might pose danger to their respective livelihoods. Children might be prevented from making friends or even enjoy existing social amenities such as playgrounds. The global economy website provides statistics regarding kidnapping in Canada from 2003 to 2017 as reported by the UN on crime and drugs (AN n.p.). The website indicates that kidnapping is a serious crime taking place not only in Canada but also all over the world whereby there were 1.8 kidnappings per 100, 000 individuals across 65 nations (AN n.p.). Such locations might be deemed as dangerous locations where they might be exposed to criminal activities such as abductions.

Fear can creep in, preventing individuals from engaging in activities such as jogging or even visit social places such as restaurants as one might feel that he or she might be attacked when engaging in such activities. Areas that are prone to criminal activities disrupt the development of such regions. Individuals might fear to buy properties in such regions and even be reluctant in setting up businesses in such areas due to the fear of what might transpire in case they decide to operate in such locations. A society that is not free to conduct its activities based on insecurity concerns cannot thrive to its desired potential. A safe community ensures every individual is free to express him or herself in a respective environment. Unsafe areas that are prone to the occurrence of criminal cases are likely to fend off potential investors or members of the community due to this particular factor.

Crime Prevention in the Community

The police need to have the right frameworks in place to ensure crime in neighborhoods is dealt with effectively. The majority of criminal activities are orchestrated by the youth in the society and this can be linked to the existing cases of high unemployment rates in numerous communities. The fact that one decides to engage in criminal activities such as robbery and even kidnapping with the hope of gaining financial advantage clearly shows the urgency which government administrations need to address to prevent the occurrences of such events. A community that has enough employment frameworks and opportunities are less likely to encounter criminal cases compared to regions filled with a huge percentage of the youth unemployed and with no reliable source of income. Surveillance mechanisms such as cameras can be deployed to ensure unusual activities are detected and responded to within the shortest time possible thus, guarantee safety measures are upheld in respective locations.

According to Crawford and Karen (808), developmental approaches have grown to be vital in preventing criminal activities in the community. This particular approach can be incorporated as it focuses on intervening on one’s pathway from a young age thus, addressing factors and patterns that might make one turn to criminal acts. This goes a long way in nurturing reputable members of society as the framework focuses on ensuring the education and livelihood of individuals are properly monitored to ensure one does not get trapped into habits which might lead one to switch to criminal tendencies. This setup can be effectively implemented in communities whereby teachers, parents, and guardians can combine efforts in ensuring the people under their care receive the necessary attention and support to be noteworthy members of the community.

Incorporation of setups such as ‘community watch’ groups can help in ensuring individuals are alert and able to raise alarm in case, they detect a criminal activity or attempt in the communities (Scrivener, 27). Usually, ‘Community watch’ groups require cooperation from available members as the bond created from such setups require individuals to be able to raise alarm and contact nearby authorities to curb criminal cases. Suspicious strangers or activities can be reported to the nearest police administration for immediate response (United States. Congress. House. Committee on the Judiciary, 336). For the proper functioning of such groups, it is essential to ensure reliable police units are deployed in neighborhoods to ensure faster responses and actions are taken to address security concerns. Police can also conduct frequent community patrols to familiarize themselves with members of a locality. This will effectively help as the police can be able to detect unusual activities or strangers in particular locations and necessary actions taken to address the existing concern.

Conclusion

In summary, it is crucial to ensure crime is prevented and addressed at a community level. The safety of community members is vital as it plays a collective role in ensuring an entire nation is safe in the long run (Trebilcock, Maria, Luneke and Ellner, 56-72). With urban centers being areas where numerous criminal activities are conducted, it is essential to ensure the necessary frameworks to prevent and respond to crimes are in place to guarantee safety is paramount. Members of the community should work hand in hand with local authorities to ensure a solid relationship is in existence between both parties. Moreover, proper communication and cooperation frameworks between the police and members of the community will prove to be vital in ensuring criminal activities are prevented and responded to within the shortest time possible. Thus, this will make communities safer for mutual coexistence and development.