Governments Are Trying
A 1990 United Nations survey revealed that the more highly developed countries spend an average of 2 to 3 percent of their annual budgets on crime control, while developing countries spend even more, an average of 9 to 14 percent. Increasing the size of the police force and providing it with better equipment take priority in some localities. But results are mixed. Some Hungarian citizens complain: 'There are never enough policemen to catch the criminals but always enough to catch traffic violators.'
Many governments have recently found it necessary to pass tougher crime laws. For example, since 'kidnapping is on the rise across Latin America,' says Time magazine, the governments there have responded with laws that are 'at once vigorous and ineffectual'. 'Passing laws is one thing.' it admits, 'applying them another.'
It is estimated that in Britain more than 100,000 neighborhood watch schemes, covering at least four million homes, existed in 1992. Similar programs were implemented in Australia in the mid1980's. Their aim, says the Australian Institute of Criminology, is to reduce crime 'by improving citizens' awareness about public safety, by improving residents' attitudes and behaviour in reporting crime and suspicious events in the neighbourhood and by reducing vulnerability to crime with the help of property identification and installation of effective security devices.'
Closed-circuit television is used in some places to link police stations with commercial premises. Video cameras are used by police, banks, and stores as a crime deterrent or as a tool for identifying lawbreakers.
In Nigeria the police have checkpoints on highways in efforts to apprehend robbers and carjackers. The government has set up a task force on trade malpractices to combat fraud. Police-community relations committees made up of community leaders inform. the police of criminal activity and people of questionable character.
Visitors to the Philippines note that homes are generally not left unattended and that many people have watchdogs. Businessmen employ private security guards to protect their businesses. Anti-theft devices for cars sell well. People who can afford to do so withdraw to tightly secured subdivisions or condominiums.
The London newspaper The Independent commented: 'As confidence in the rule of law falls, citizens are organizing the defense of their own communities in increasing numbers.' And more and more people are arming themselves. In the United States, for example, it is estimated that every second household owns at least one gun.
Governments are constantly developing new methods of combating crime. But V. Vsevolodov, of the Academy of Home Affairs in Ukraine, points out that according to UN sources, so many gifted people are finding 'unique methods of carrying on criminal activity' that 'the training of law enforcement personnel' cannot keep up. Clever criminals funnel huge sums of money back into businesses and social services, merging with society and 'gaining for themselves high positions in society.'
What is the main reason for citizens to take in hand the defense of themselves?
A．There are not enough policemen.
B．They do not trust the rule of law.
C．The police force is inefficient.
D．Security devices do not work.