Crime in North Carolina: Challenges and Solutions
By Adam J. Langino, Esq.
Crime in North Carolina: Challenges and Solutions
Crime remains a significant concern in North Carolina, affecting various aspects of community life, public health, and overall safety. This article explores the current state of crime in North Carolina, focusing on specific case studies and research findings, and discusses potential strategies for crime prevention. Additionally, it highlights how North Carolina law protects victims of violent crime, ensuring their rights and safety are prioritized.
The State of Crime in North Carolina
North Carolina, like many states, faces a range of criminal activities, from theft and property crimes to violent offenses. Two detailed studies provide insight into the nature and impact of crime in the state.
Thefts from Cars in Center-City Parking Facilities: A Case Study in Charlotte
A comprehensive study by Ronald V. Clarke and Herman Goldstein examined thefts from cars in Charlotte's center-city parking facilities.1 This problem-oriented policing project spanned over two years and aimed to reduce thefts through detailed analysis and targeted interventions. Key findings included:
Higher Risks in Surface Lots: The study revealed that theft risks were significantly higher in surface lots compared to parking decks. Factors contributing to this included inadequate fencing, poor lighting, and the absence of attendants.
Focused Patrolling: Even before security improvements were fully implemented, thefts began to decline due to more focused patrolling by police and security personnel.
The project began with a request by Chief Dennis Nowicki to review the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's (CMPD) efforts in implementing problem-oriented policing. The focus was on thefts from parked cars in the center city, which constituted a large proportion of reported crimes. Initial meetings focused on defining the problem, leading to the decision to concentrate on Uptown Charlotte, where most thefts occurred. The area was mapped, and a comprehensive inventory of parking facilities was undertaken. A survey of the security features of parking facilities was conducted, revealing that decks were generally more secure than lots. The presence of attendants, better lighting, and fencing were identified as key factors in reducing thefts.1
The project team developed a multi-faceted intervention plan, including aggressive legal pursuit of offenders, posting lot addresses, changing zoning ordinances for better fencing, implementing a security grading system, and establishing a security bike patrol. During the project's implementation, thefts began to decline, possibly due to increased police and security patrols. The project team continued to press on with the intervention plan to ensure long-term reductions in thefts.1
Effects of Crime Type and Location on Park Use Behavior in Greensboro
Another study by Oriol Marquet and colleagues explored how crime affects park use behavior in Greensboro.2 The research found that:
Crime as a Barrier to Park Use: Higher levels of crime near homes and parks were associated with fewer park visits and lower park ratings.
Impact of Violent Crime: Violent crimes had a stronger negative effect on park use compared to property crimes.
Public Health Implications: The presence of crime in and around parks can deter physical activity, negatively impacting public health.
The study surveyed 230 residents in Greensboro about their park use, with responses matched to objective crime and spatial measures. The sample included a diverse demographic, predominantly older African American women. The study used Greensboro Police Department data on all reported offenses, categorized as Part I (violent crimes) and Part II offenses. Crimes were mapped around homes, parks, and routes to parks. Park use was measured through survey questions on visit frequency, duration, and park rating. The study found that higher crime rates around homes and parks were associated with less frequent park visits and lower park ratings.
The study found significant associations between crime presence and reduced park use. The study emphasized the need for addressing crime in and around parks to promote physical activity and improve public health. It suggested that urban planning and crime prevention efforts should consider the impact of crime on park use.2
Strategies for Crime Prevention
Based on these studies and broader research, several strategies can be employed to prevent crime in North Carolina:
Better Lighting and Fencing: Ensuring adequate lighting and secure fencing in parking lots can deter thefts. Improved lighting can reduce crime in decks and underground garages, and in lots with evening or night use.
Presence of Attendants: Employing attendants in parking facilities can reduce theft risks. The presence of attendants greatly reduces risks of theft in both decks and lots.
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV): Installing CCTV systems in parks and parking lots can enhance surveillance and deter criminal activities. CCTV systems installed in parking facilities can be effective in reducing thefts in those facilities.
Security Grading System: Implementing a security grading system for parking facilities can incentivize operators to improve security measures.
Security Bike Patrols: Establishing security bike patrols in high-risk areas can increase security visibility and deter criminal activities. Security bike patrols have been found effective in reducing thefts in parking lots.
Environmental Design: Applying principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) can help reduce crime by modifying the physical environment. This includes designing spaces that promote natural surveillance, access control, and territorial reinforcement.
Legal Protections for Victims of Violent Crime in North Carolina
North Carolina law provides several protections for victims of violent crime, ensuring their rights and safety are prioritized. Here are some key aspects of how the law protects these victims:
1. Duty of Care by Property Owners: Commercial properties and businesses in North Carolina have a duty to protect visitors from foreseeable criminal activity. This duty is based on the principle of foreseeability, which means that property owners must take reasonable care to protect visitors if they knew or should have known about potential criminal risks. For example, the Supreme Court's decision in Aaser v. City of Charlotte established that property owners must ensure they are not inviting visitors into danger and must exercise reasonable care for their safety.
2. Evidence of Foreseeability: Courts in North Carolina often require evidence of prior criminal activity on the premises or in the surrounding area to establish foreseeability. This evidence helps determine whether the property owner should have foreseen the criminal act and taken preventive measures. For instance, in Sawyer v. Carter, the court found that evidence of a single robbery five years prior was insufficient to establish foreseeability.
3. Adequacy of Security Measures: If a court finds that a business owner should have foreseen criminal activity, it will then examine the adequacy of the security measures provided. This includes assessing whether proper lighting, environmental design, security cameras, or the presence of security guards could have prevented the criminal act. In Vera v. Five Crow Promotions, Inc., the court noted that inadequate exterior lighting and security contributed to the criminal act.
4. Legal Recourse for Victims: Victims of violent crime in North Carolina have the opportunity to hold property owners and business owners accountable if their failure to provide reasonable security contributed to the crime. Victims may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, future loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Consulting an experienced attorney is crucial for handling these types of claims and ensuring that victims receive the justice they deserve.
Conclusion
Crime in North Carolina poses significant challenges, but through targeted interventions, community engagement, and problem-oriented policing, it is possible to make substantial progress in crime prevention. By enhancing security measures, educating the public, addressing root causes, and leveraging legal protections, North Carolina can create safer communities and improve the overall quality of life for its residents.
I am sorry if you are reading this if you or someone you love has been the the victim of a crime and seriously injured or killed. Over my career, I have handled many negligent security claims and I am licensed to practice law in Florida and North Carolina. If you would like a free consultation, click here.
1. Clarke, Ronald V., and Herman Goldstein. "Thefts from Cars in Center-City Parking Facilities: A Case Study in Implementing Problem-Oriented Policing." Crime Prevention Studies, vol. 15, 2003, pp. 257-298
2. Marquet, Oriol, et al. "Effects of Crime Type and Location on Park Use Behavior." Preventing Chronic Disease, vol. 17, E73, July 2020, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2020/19_0434.htm