Commercialization of crime-prevention

In industrialized countries, there are a growing number of commercial enterprises, self-help residents groups, and crime-watch firms which focus on providing personal and property security, crime-prevention and self-defence outside of the public law enforcement services. One problem is that they may use tactics which themselves result in criminal behaviour or are out of proportion to the offence.

There are several instances of small shopkeepers in large cities shooting burglars. A British man was acquitted of the murder of a man he pursued and fought, who was slashing his car tyres. Certain private firms in the UK have been infringing private property law in clamping and fining "illegally" parked cars.

1. Punishment
2. Proliferation of commercialism
3. Privatization of justice
4. Preoccupation with security structures

1. Untrained security personnel

1. Unjust punishments for crimes
2. Proliferation of weapons in civilian hands
3. Police demoralization

1. Punitive public attitudes towards crime
2. Inadequate security system
3. Inadequate emergency services
4. Deprivation of means of self-defence
5. Breakdown in community security systems

1. Insecurity of property

1. Prohibitive cost of safety equipment
2. Lack of protection for the vulnerable
3. Excessive cost of effective prosecution of offenders

1. Building confidence