Criminal Justice Policy and Violent Crime in Socially Disorganized Neighborhoods: The Implications for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Abstract

Emphasizing the spatial distribution of crime, the theoretical model of social disorganization posits that crime and delinquency are related to the socioeconomic composition of communities. More specifically, it asserts that rates of crime are related to the social norms and activities of communities, in that it increases residential mobility, population decline, as well as ethnic heterogeneity. This article examines urban violent crime rates and depopulation in a major metropolitan city, namely Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, through the context of social disorganization theory. Economic decline and issues associated with its occurrence are discussed, and criminal justice policy solutions are offered. Finally, evidence-based policy recommendations that are grounded in a best practices approach are discussed to conclude.