| The purposes of this study were three-fold: first, to compare the pattern between population density and crime rates in the U.S. and in Kansas City, Missouri, from 1979 to 1988; second, to examine a set of ecological variables that might characterize urban crime in the 22 census-tracts of Midtown Kansas City; and, third, to describe the physical-social environment as perceived and evaluated by a representative sample of residents (N = 354) selected through a modified cluster sampling procedure from 17 inner-city neighborhoods.;The findings showed, by contrast to national trends, an inverse relationship between population decline and crime rates in Kansas City, Missouri, indicating an increase in total, property, and violent crimes. Thus, population density is related to crime rates, but the impact is not linear in all areas.;Few ecological variables were correlated with urban crime in the Midtown Area. The percent of women out of the work force was inversely related to total, property, and violent crimes, suggesting that homemakers may provide additional natural surveillance and control of physical and social aspects in the neighborhood, which, in turn, may reduce crime.;The study suggests that strategies that heighten perceptions of risk to induce participation in anticrime programs may be counterproductive. Home ownership, living with someone, dissatisfaction with the physical aspects of the residential environment, and fear of crime, were related to residents taking more protective measures. Satisfaction with various aspects of the residential environment was positively related to neighborhood stability.;Finally, the study suggests that attachment to locale is still relevant to urban dwellers, especially to older, long-time owners who are more likely to report a stronger attachment to their residence than younger, more mobile renters. Attachment to locale appears to be substantially enhanced after two years spent in the same home. These findings support previous research. |
