Response
After a problem has been clearly defined and
analysed, one confronts the ultimate challenge in problem
solving: the search for the most effective way of dealing with
it. Problem solvers should approach the development of
solutions without any preconceived notions about what should
be done. Often the results of the analysis phase point
agencies involved in crime and disorder reduction and
communities in unexpected directions.
Traditional and more conventional responses to
problems include:
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High profile policing
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Stricter enforcement
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Targeting prolific offenders
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Physical changes to the environment
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Organising and mobilising the community
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Educating the public – raising
awareness.
Some of the most effective responses to
problems arise when we are working in partnership with other
agencies. In addition, a significant and positive impact can
be made when we begin to think less conventionally about
traditional problems. One example of an innovative approach to
a problem is the case of graffiti on New York City subway
trains. After unsuccessfully trying a range of traditional
policing and security responses, the management hit on the
idea of immediate cleaning of new graffiti. This removed the
reward for offenders of seeing their work displayed around the
city and proved to be an effective long term solution to the
problem (for a detailed account see the Guide on
dealing with vandalism and graffiti).
Read and Tilley (2000) outline three features
common to effective responses:
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The response involves some degree of
partnership working
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The response is usually sustainable,
though not necessarily permanent. See the Home Office
report Not Rocket Science?
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