Certain things come to mind when we think about crime prevention in Jamaica: ZOSO, JCF, SOE etc. The solution has always been “Nature”. #DYK that residents living in “greener” surroundings report lower levels of fear, fewer incivilities and less aggressive and violent behaviour.
The "Broken Window" theory explains the relationship between crime reduction and green spaces. The theory suggest that a well maintained community fosters a strong sense of stewardship and order which helps to lower crime rates because the entire neighbourhood is “Watching You”.
It also states that criminals use the appearance of a community to determine if its members defend it and judge the probability of being caught whilst committing a criminal act. Less maintained communities are often targets because it’s easier to commit and conceal a crime there.
Vegetation can encourage criminal behaviour by acting as concealment for perpetrators: “they escaped in nearby bushes”
This is not the case for urban dwellings, the Ida B. Wells study revealed that buildings with higher levels of vegetation had a 52% reduction in total crimes
This is not the case for urban dwellings, the Ida B. Wells study revealed that buildings with higher levels of vegetation had a 52% reduction in total crimes
Still Not Convinced?
Residents living with amongst “green spaces” experience less crime and have an overall positive outlook about their home life. The presence of trees encourages the use of shared outdoor spaces. Trees act as territorial markers for residents- “Big Tree a Town”
Residents living with amongst “green spaces” experience less crime and have an overall positive outlook about their home life. The presence of trees encourages the use of shared outdoor spaces. Trees act as territorial markers for residents- “Big Tree a Town”
Green Spaces help to mitigate against some of the psychological precursors to violence, such as irritability, decreased impulse control etc. The restorative effects of trees can inhibit these behaviours and thus prevent violent crimes from taking place.
Our Green Space journey begins by reclaiming empty lots and derelict buildings in Downtown Kingston. Working in tandem with the newly announced “Greening Jamaica” Project, these lots can be transformed into Green Gardens that would feed and engage the surrounding communities.
In closing the creation of Green Spaces on the #SIDS of Jamaica has several benefits to the citizenry that call it home. These spaces if implemented properly will allow us to hit key targets within #SDG11, #SDG13 and #SDG15. Let's grow Greener Communities.
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