Before we can discuss crime prevention methodology, we must first examine theories closely associated with crime causation. Without a basic foundation of the who, why, where, and when of crime, adequate measures cannot be taken in the basic prevention of crime.
Ernest Burgess of the University of Chicago, sought to explain clear divisions of socioeconomic status within and immediately outside of cities. The disparities from one city block to the next were extremely apparent and Burgess created a tool that has proven to be extremely helpful to future crime study. Working with the city of Chicago, Burgess examined and identified 5 city zones, each with its own particular attributes. Though Ernest’s original publication from 1928 on concentric circles very blatantly divided these zones by concentration of African Americans within the inner zones (Burgess, 1928), the general make-up of these areas today is predominantly comprised of minorities and those of lower socioeconomic status.
Working from the outer zone inward, Zone V was titled the Commuters Zone. This zone was described by Burgess as being inhabited by those that could afford the more expensive “bungalows” common to this zone as well as transportation to the inner city for entertainment and work (Burgess, 1928). Zone IV, the Residential Zone, was described to be inhabited by well-educated, middle class families. The third zone, the zone of the Workmen’s Homes, is generally inhabited by those that can afford to move beyond the inner-most city limits, second generations of immigrant families (Lersch, 2011). Burgess describes Zone III as being close enough to the inner zones as workers can reach workplaces by foot (1928). Zone II, the Zone in Transition, is known as “the least desirable area to live in the city” (Lersch, 2011). This area can be described as the melting pot of poor, immigrant, destitute, and criminal (Burgess, 1928). Ignored by residents and landlords, these areas are distinct in their dilapidated housing and infrastructure (Lersch, 2011). Drugs, prostitution, gang activity, and general economic misery are all prominent within the second zone. The innermost zone, The Loop, is a business and commerce heavy area that is commuted to by inhabitants of the other four zones.
This zone distinction within cities will become much more apparent in future discussions about social disorganization and its dominance within inner zones.
Ernest Burgess of the University of Chicago, sought to explain clear divisions of socioeconomic status within and immediately outside of cities. The disparities from one city block to the next were extremely apparent and Burgess created a tool that has proven to be extremely helpful to future crime study. Working with the city of Chicago, Burgess examined and identified 5 city zones, each with its own particular attributes. Though Ernest’s original publication from 1928 on concentric circles very blatantly divided these zones by concentration of African Americans within the inner zones (Burgess, 1928), the general make-up of these areas today is predominantly comprised of minorities and those of lower socioeconomic status.
Working from the outer zone inward, Zone V was titled the Commuters Zone. This zone was described by Burgess as being inhabited by those that could afford the more expensive “bungalows” common to this zone as well as transportation to the inner city for entertainment and work (Burgess, 1928). Zone IV, the Residential Zone, was described to be inhabited by well-educated, middle class families. The third zone, the zone of the Workmen’s Homes, is generally inhabited by those that can afford to move beyond the inner-most city limits, second generations of immigrant families (Lersch, 2011). Burgess describes Zone III as being close enough to the inner zones as workers can reach workplaces by foot (1928). Zone II, the Zone in Transition, is known as “the least desirable area to live in the city” (Lersch, 2011). This area can be described as the melting pot of poor, immigrant, destitute, and criminal (Burgess, 1928). Ignored by residents and landlords, these areas are distinct in their dilapidated housing and infrastructure (Lersch, 2011). Drugs, prostitution, gang activity, and general economic misery are all prominent within the second zone. The innermost zone, The Loop, is a business and commerce heavy area that is commuted to by inhabitants of the other four zones.
This zone distinction within cities will become much more apparent in future discussions about social disorganization and its dominance within inner zones.