Communities with a high crime rate generally have a bad image. They are characterized by low property rates, substandard district schools, failing businesses, and general unrest of the inhabitants due to the region’s insecurity. Most of the people living in these zones only do so because this is the only place that they can afford to live in, and they do so with fear of being the next victim. A hotspot policing program was initiated in Jersey City, Kansas City, and Houston City, targeting the zones that were greatly affected by insecurity. The police were advised to increase their presence in these zones by carrying out regular patrols and ensuring that the law was being upheld. This resulted in a decrease in crime rates in the targeted zones. A subsequent survey revealed that in 7 out of 12 zones, the community’s perception had changed, leading to new businesses opening up, thus improving the economy of the immediate community (Braga, 2001).
