Defensible space and the practice of non-state policing within low-cost housing estates in a Nigerian city

Keywords: crime, crime prevention, defensible space, non-state policing
Session Type: Virtual Paper
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 4/9/2021 04:40 PM (Pacific Time (US & Canada)) - 4/9/2021 05:55 PM (Pacific Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 33

Abstract

The crime control and prevention strategy that focuses on limiting the opportunities for crime through the modification of the physical environment – an approach that is known in the literature as “defensible space” or crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) – dates back centuries. However, research in this area is relatively new and while some studies have demonstrated that this crime prevention strategy is effective in preventing crime and in mitigating the fear of crime, in some certain situations, such strategy is less effective. This study examines the effectiveness of defensible space strategy within low-cost housing estates where non-state policing exists in some but not in others. The findings from this study were broadly discussed including their implications for urban planning policies and practice.