Cruising Abatement Project Finalist

Santa Ana Police Department (California, USA)

A major thoroughfare was plagued by street cruising, which was associated with drug and alcohol use and violent conflicts. Merchants complained of losing business, and neighborhood residents complained about the noise, violence, and traffic. The police were burdened with calls for service and received complaints about poor service during cruising hours. The police formed alliances with local businesses and the community. Signs, written warnings, and controlled vehicle movement were used to discourage cruising. Cruising-related criminal acts and cruiser-related calls for service have been virtually eliminated.

Domestic Violence Re-victimization Prevention Finalist

Fremont Police Department (California, USA)

A police department found that police officers spent considerable amounts of time handling domestic violence calls. Calls for service showed a pattern in which violence increased over time. The police responded to over 2,500 domestic violence cases involving three or more calls for service from 1994 to 1996. A protocol was developed in which officers made follow-up visits to domestic violence calls and educated victims. All actions are documented to justify future prosecution. Repeat calls for service decreased substantially.

The Elite Arcade: Taming a Crime Generator Finalist

Delta Police Department (British Columbia, Canada)

A police department received an increase in calls for service at a local shopping mall. These problems were generated by large numbers of youths hanging out at an arcade. Mall tenants began to move out, and local residents were enraged about crime spilling into their neighborhood. A CPTED survey revealed that recent changes to the interior of the arcade contributed to the increase in calls. Management at the arcade was unable to supervise patrons and control the premise. The design of the arcade was changed. The Municipal Council adopted new by-laws for future arcades. Problems at the arcade, the mall, and the neighborhood have dropped and remained low.

West First Project Finalist

Spokane Police Department (Washington, USA)

Gangs, drug-related activity, and violence infiltrated a downtown area threatening local businesses and decreasing the quality of life. The drug traffickers targeted an "undeveloped market" to reap financial profits. The offenders were not just stereotypical drug users, but average citizens. Gang members were prosecuted under organized crime statutes. Code enforcement, liquor boards, and correctional supervision of offenders living in the project area were enhanced. Volunteers and business owners were organized by common concerns, and CPTED principles were used to build defensible space. Violent crime has decreased by 75%, and calls for service and officer-initiated activity have decreased by 35%. Legitimate business activity has been revitalized.