Author: Sagar, Tracey

Source: British Journal of Criminology, Volume 45, Number 1, January 2005 , pp. 98-112(15)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

This paper contrasts the conceptual basis for Street Watch as a general community crime-prevention initiative with its implementation, looking in detail at one such programme in the Grangetown area of Cardiff.¹ Grangetown Street Watch is a civilian/police partnership, whose activities are focused entirely upon a single illegal activity—street prostitution—ostensibly in the interests of the wider community. This study reveals a failure of that partnership in terms of both the underlying ethos upon which Street Watch was legitimated politically, and the adequacy of police supervision and regulatory control in its practical incarnation. Part of the difficulty lies in the changing perceptions of the parties themselves, as to their respective roles within the scheme. It is argued that local crime-prevention partnerships must operate within a comprehensive legal framework to ensure that the responsibilities of state agencies are not off-loaded (without clearly demarcated lines of accountability) onto citizens.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/bjc/azh051

Affiliations: 1: Research Fellow, National Centre for Public Policy, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea, South Wales SA2 8PP;, Email: t.sagar@swansea.ac.uk.

Publication date: 2005-01-01

More about this publication?

• The British Journal of Criminology: An International Review of Crime and Society is one of the world's top criminology journals. It publishes work of the highest quality from around the world and across all areas of criminology. BJC is a valuable resource for academics and researchers in crime, whether they be from criminology, sociology, anthropology, psychology, law, economics, politics or social work, and for professionals concerned with crime, law, criminal justice, politics and penology. In addition to publishing peer-reviewed articles, BJC contains a substantial book review section.

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Psychology ,  Social & Public Welfare
• By this author: Sagar, Tracey

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers