Findings specific to the planning field

Two related concepts dominate the planning field as it relates to crime prevention— the Broken Windows Theory and Eyes on the Street
Most land use and transportation planners and architects do not fully understand their roles in preventing violence
Land use as a means to prevent violence is understudied and underdeveloped in the planning world

Recommendations specific to the planning field

Explore ways that physical spaces can promote positive relationships and a sense of collective efficacy
- Create public spaces where people gather, such as community gardens, urban farms, and those that support events, performances and public dialogue
- Public art should also match community values and reflect residents’ cultures
- Explore how to translate positive relationships into collective action on behalf of the community. “Low-income residents in a lot of poor areas...they feel like the problems are too large for them to address. This is returning that sense of power to the residents, increasing the community’s capacity to do something about their situation
Leverage peer networks and new movements in planning, design and architecture to increase understanding of the links between the built environment and community safety
Integrate violence prevention into existing land use planning, transportation and zoning strategies

What – and who – is a city for?

A Simple Plan to Solve All of America’s Problems