¹Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands. E-mail: J.Terpstra@jur.ru.nl

Abstract

This paper deals with the involvement of citizens (and local businesspersons) in the prevention and control of crime and disorder. Four models of citizen involvement in local security networks are distinguished. In each of these models the role of citizens concentrates on different functions: (1) providing information, (2) advising or participating in decision-making, (3) promoting collective efficacy and informal social control, and (4) more autonomous and exclusionary activities. Tensions in the participation of citizens in local security networks may result from contradictions between the underlying models. The meaning of non-participation by citizens and the relations between the police and citizens differ for each of the models of citizen involvement.