Neighbourhood contexts and policing strategies in Sheffield.

This thesis investigates the nature, extent and concentrations of collective efficacy, crime and anti-social behaviour within the geographic areas known as the 100 neighbourhoods of the city of Sheffield. The investigation is conducted through a neighbourhood policing lens with the cornerstone of the work considering the broken windows theory. The term 'collective efficacy' is more commonly referred to in American based discourses and this thesis argues that collective efficacy, in this research site, manifests itself differently when considering similar circumstances such as levels of crime, disorder and deprivation. The thesis utilises geographic information systems (GIS) and the analytical capabilities of this software to intuitively examine qualitative and quantitative data developed during the research and reveals that for some neighbourhoods, theories and previous empirical evidence about the links between demographic and environmental factors, collective efficacy and crime and anti-social behaviour rates is challenged. The thesis demonstrates that certain Sheffield neighbourhoods indicate significant levels of collective efficacy despite high levels of crime, disorder or indeed both although collective efficacy in certain locales can be a predictive tool for levels of crime and disorder. In examining quantitative and qualitative data, the latter via proxy survey methods, the argument is posited that future small local area analysis and research would facilitate a greater understanding within the United Kingdom context of the mechanics of collective efficacy in cities. The thesis considers how neighbourhood policing in Sheffield has been historically conducted and how policing has potentially disconnected itself from entrenched neighbourhood practices. With the advent of Police and Crime Commissioners and the future of policing having greater focus on public accountability and transparency, the thesis also considers the use of new technology and how such advances may strengthen the participation between the public and the police in the future policing of neighbourhoods.