> Commercial Drive study tracks perceptions ‘then and now’
Commercial Drive study tracks perceptions ‘then and now’
Contact:
Patricia Brantingham, 778.782.3515; patricia_brantingham@sfu.ca
Paul Brantingham, 778.782.4175; paul_brantingham@sfu.ca
Marianne Meadahl, PAMR, 778.782.4323
Patricia Brantingham, 778.782.3515; patricia_brantingham@sfu.ca
Paul Brantingham, 778.782.4175; paul_brantingham@sfu.ca
Marianne Meadahl, PAMR, 778.782.4323
April 7, 2008
Ten years after a survey tracked community perceptions of crime, safety
and quality of life along Vancouver’s Commercial Drive, an identical
survey in 2007 shows that while its vibrant atmosphere is appreciated,
concerns related to drugs and the sex trade remain, while perceptions
of key crime areas have shifted.
More than 700 individuals who live near, work on or visit ‘the Drive’ were surveyed in 1997. A similar-sized group participated in 2007. In both cases, used needles and condoms on the ground, the presence of sex trade workers near residential areas, litter and aggressive panhandlers topped the list of concerns.
The 2007 survey shows a migration of perceived hot button crime areas from Hastings and Commercial to areas bordering the Broadway Sky Train station.
The Institute for Canadian Urban Research Studies (ICURS) at Simon Fraser University carried out the studies in conjunction with the Grandview-Woodland Community Policing Centre (GWCPC).
Survey participants were asked a series of 30 questions seeking opinions on everything from panhandlers to outdoor cafes. They also drew circles on maps indicating their perceptions of key crime spots.
To get an accurate comparison, the 2007 survey questions and the base map were unchanged. Comparisons were made with the previous survey maps using computerized geographic information systems (GIS).
The survey found that the most appreciated aspects of life on Commercial Drive included sidewalk cafes, organized festivals, public art and street musicians.
“The study opens a wide window to a part of Vancouver that is known for its life and diversity and captures the perceptions of everyone who lives and breathes there – from residents and tourists to workers and even squeegee kids,” says Paul Brantingham, who, along with Patricia, ICURS Director, conducts crime pattern analyses in the SFU lab.
Brantingham notes there is a strong and growing level of support from police and other agencies to help reduce problems, an indication of a general commitment to reduce public disorder and improve civility in urban neighbourhoods.
Several of those agencies – including the Vancouver Police Department, the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Police Service, the Ministries of Employment and Income Assistance, Public Safety and Solicitor General, the City of Vancouver and the GWCPC are now working together to address the surveys’ top concerns.
The Brantinghams say the survey could become a tool for other communities wanting to measure perceptions of crime.
More than 700 individuals who live near, work on or visit ‘the Drive’ were surveyed in 1997. A similar-sized group participated in 2007. In both cases, used needles and condoms on the ground, the presence of sex trade workers near residential areas, litter and aggressive panhandlers topped the list of concerns.
The 2007 survey shows a migration of perceived hot button crime areas from Hastings and Commercial to areas bordering the Broadway Sky Train station.
The Institute for Canadian Urban Research Studies (ICURS) at Simon Fraser University carried out the studies in conjunction with the Grandview-Woodland Community Policing Centre (GWCPC).
Survey participants were asked a series of 30 questions seeking opinions on everything from panhandlers to outdoor cafes. They also drew circles on maps indicating their perceptions of key crime spots.
To get an accurate comparison, the 2007 survey questions and the base map were unchanged. Comparisons were made with the previous survey maps using computerized geographic information systems (GIS).
The survey found that the most appreciated aspects of life on Commercial Drive included sidewalk cafes, organized festivals, public art and street musicians.
“The study opens a wide window to a part of Vancouver that is known for its life and diversity and captures the perceptions of everyone who lives and breathes there – from residents and tourists to workers and even squeegee kids,” says Paul Brantingham, who, along with Patricia, ICURS Director, conducts crime pattern analyses in the SFU lab.
Brantingham notes there is a strong and growing level of support from police and other agencies to help reduce problems, an indication of a general commitment to reduce public disorder and improve civility in urban neighbourhoods.
Several of those agencies – including the Vancouver Police Department, the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Police Service, the Ministries of Employment and Income Assistance, Public Safety and Solicitor General, the City of Vancouver and the GWCPC are now working together to address the surveys’ top concerns.
The Brantinghams say the survey could become a tool for other communities wanting to measure perceptions of crime.