ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTING ALCOHOL USE, continued

Alcohol and Crime

Despite the fact that 21 years old is the minimum purchase age (MPA) in all States, youth continue to purchase and consume alcohol every day across the nation. Researchers suggest that youth consumption of alcohol often leads to the commission of crime and a higher incidence of victimization for individuals under the influence. Statistics supporting these claims detail that alcohol consumption is associated with over 27 percent of all murders, 31 percent of all rapes, 33 percent of all property offenses, and more then 37 percent of all robberies committed by young people (Connecticut Clearinghouse 2001).

Although not specifically focusing on youth consumption, studies suggest that a reduction of alcohol availability within a community may also reduce rates of crime. In a study by Scribner et al. (1995), the relationship between risk of physical violence and alcohol availability in Los Angeles County was assessed. Data were collected on various crimes, including the number of assaults and robberies from 74 Los Angeles County municipalities. Analyses were conducted to determine whether a relationship existed between the number of alcohol outlets in a given area and the total of assault incidents. Results indicated that greater outlet density was correlated with a greater number of assaults in the community.

In a subsequent study, Scribner et al. (1999) revealed a similar pattern examining alcohol availability and the rate of homicide in New Orleans. Data were collected on both the number of alcohol outlets per mile and per person, as well as the rate of homicides in the city of New Orleans. Analyses were conducted to determine whether the variables correlated. Results indicated that in areas with a high number of off-site alcohol outlets both per square mile and per person, a greater proportion of homicides also occurred.

Conclusions from these studies suggest that the implementation of environmental strategies related to reducing alcohol availability may prove helpful to crime prevention. Specifically, reducing the availability of alcohol to youth may mitigate the rate of criminal activity and victimization for this population in communities across the country.

There is clearly a need for comprehensive prevention planning that includes environmental strategies aimed at youth alcohol consumption. This chapter will present four such strategies, citing research concerning their levels of effectiveness. This chapter will also provide guidance on the implementation of environmental strategies targeting alcohol use and share case studies demonstrating how these strategies were implemented with success in different communities.