Closing Streets and Alleys to Reduce Crime: Should You Go Down This Road?

Abstract

This response guide will assist police with determining whether closing streets and alleys is an appropriate response to problems being confronted in their local neighborhood or community. The guide discusses why street closings might help to reduce crime and disorder, summarizes the literature on their effectiveness, and discusses the arguments for and against their use. The guide also provides lists of questions that should be asked and steps that should be followed when implementing street closures.