Abstract
This study presents a new and reliable observational tool for measuring both the potential for guardianship, as well as guardianship in action at residential properties. Tests of our new measurement instrument reveal that guardianship intensity at the property level can be reliably and validly measured through direct observation, and is enhanced by the physical and social environment. The paper reinforces the thesis that residential guardianship intensity is the product of a two-fold action process that involves both the physical potential to carry out supervision of people and places, as well as the acts of monitoring and intervention when necessary. The results of our study confirm that crime levels drop significantly as residential guardianship intensifies.
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Notes
Landen, Leyenburg and Uilebomen were the three neighbourhoods selected for this study based on the fact that they differ markedly from each other in terms of crime rate, socio-economic status and ethnic heterogeneity. Landen is a residential neighbourhood in the east of The Hague, with few facilities and a very low activity level. Uilebomen is at the city centre of The Hague, and it consists of some of the major shopping streets and transportation hubs in the city. Leyenburg is a neighbourhood in the West of The Hague that has a moderate activity level and houses of a mix of private residences and a few commercial facilities.
Three female observers, aged 23–30 years, were trained for participation in this study.
Crime figures did not vary significantly from year to year.
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Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Henk Elffers for his critical feedback and statistical expertise during the development of this paper, and to Eveline Cortvriendt and Chantal Henricksen for their assistance in data collection. Many thanks also to Marcus Felson, and to the journal editor and the anonymous reviewers for their helpful suggestions.
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Reynald, D. Guardianship in action: Developing a new tool for measurement. Crime Prev Community Saf 11, 1–20 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1057/cpcs.2008.19
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/cpcs.2008.19