The Politics of Crime Prevention: Race, Public Opinion, and the Meaning of Community Safety

The slogan "Defund the police" became a rallying cry among Black Lives Matter protesters following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020. This book examines American public opinion about crime prevention in the twenty-first century, focusing on how average citizens would choose to prioritize resources between the criminal justice system and community-based institutions. It reveals that politicians underestimate the American public's desire to prioritize community investment and that it is long past time to help communities thrive instead of turning to the criminal justice system.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2023
Publisher: New York University Press

The slogan "Defund the police" emerged as a powerful rallying cry among Black Lives Matter protesters in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis in May 2020. It raises a fundamental question about American policy priorities: Should the nation primarily rely on the criminal justice system to arrest, prosecute, and imprison offenders, or should it prioritize addressing structural causes of crime by investing more heavily in the infrastructure and institutions of disadvantaged communities? To put it simply, do Americans prefer punishment over crime prevention?

The Politics of Crime Prevention delves into American public opinion about crime prevention in the twenty-first century, with a specific focus on how average citizens would allocate resources between the criminal justice system and community-based institutions. Kevin H. Wozniak examines differences in opinion across racial, social class, and political party lines, investigating whether people's willingness to invest in communities depends on the types of communities that would receive funding. This book departs from the traditional focus of criminologists on public opinion about punishment following criminal acts and instead examines public attitudes toward crime prevention. In this insightful and compelling study, Wozniak reveals that politicians significantly underestimate the American public's desire to prioritize community investment, and it is past time to help communities thrive rather than relying on the criminal justice system to address every social problem.

The slogan "Defund the police" has sparked intense debate and controversy, with proponents arguing that it is necessary to address systemic racism and police brutality and to invest in community-based programs that promote social justice and public safety. Opponents argue that defunding the police would lead to increased crime and disorder and that it is essential to maintain a robust and well-trained police force to protect public safety.

One of the key findings of The Politics of Crime Prevention is that there is a significant gap between the public's desire to prioritize community investment and the actual allocation of resources. Wozniak argues that politicians often prioritize the criminal justice system over community-based institutions, even when evidence suggests that such investments can have a more significant impact on reducing crime and improving public safety. For example, studies have shown that investing in early childhood education and job training programs can have a positive impact on reducing crime rates and improving economic opportunities for disadvantaged communities.

However, Wozniak also notes that there are challenges to implementing community-based crime prevention programs, such as the need for adequate funding, the lack of coordination between different agencies and organizations, and the resistance of some communities to change. He suggests that policymakers need to work to address these challenges and to create policies that promote community investment and collaboration.

In conclusion, the slogan "Defund the police" has raised important questions about American policy priorities and the role of the criminal justice system in addressing crime. The Politics of Crime Prevention provides valuable insights into public opinion about crime prevention and the gap between the public's desire to prioritize community investment and the actual allocation of resources. By examining the politics of crime prevention, policymakers can work to create policies that promote community-based crime prevention programs and help to address the structural causes of crime.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479815753