A Historical Developmental Look at City and Security Perspectives

Environmental Criminology approach is formed by Ray Jeffery in the beginning of 70s by his studies. He wrote a book where he explained possible ways of preventing crime by designing the environment that the crime takes place. Still, historical developments that formed a theoretical basis on the relationship between environment design and crime have to be explained. First references made to Durkheim’s theory of anomie. Ecological approach would be the basis for social disorganization theory and Chicago school studies. Robert Park and Ernest Burgess’s research and contributions led to concentric zone theory. Shaw and McKay’s Chicago based research were also deepened the relationship between environmental and crime. Those studies and many more formed a basis for Jeffery’s research and a new approach aroused. Jeffery wanted to prevent criminal acts by making the potential individual away from crime by focusing on the environment where the crime occurs. Environment in general consists of architecture (physical design of places), built environment (roads, use of lands, construction types), public and social places. While natural environments are also important, design includes mostly built environments. Humans also have to adapt to the changes in their environments. Crime acts, by this means, can be seen as acts of adaptation to the environments. An efficient environment would be seen as places where acts of crime are not optimal choice for individuals. Oscar Newman searched for designing principles for urban environments for acts that do not include crime. In this study, a historical summary is offered by including the general topics that are mentioned. In addition to historical perspectives of the relationship between environment and crime, how previous research is used today is also discussed