1. Running head: DISORGANIZATION <br />Disorganization in Branson, Missouri: An application of the theories of Shaw and McKay<br />Schalonia Smith<br />Argosy University<br />Disorganization in Branson, Missouri: An application of the theories of Shaw and McKay<br />Branson, Missouri’s community organization appears to be in disarray according to crime rates. In 2006, the crime rate in Branson was well above the national average in all areas of crime except motor vehicle thefts and robberies CITATION Arend 1033 (Connect, n.d.). Despite a climb in the population of Branson between 2006 and 2009, the crime numbers appear lower over the last three years. However, only the number of motor vehicle thefts appears to be significantly lower. In an attempt to make a significant difference in crime rates, Shaw and McKay’s theories of community disorganization will be applied to Branson, Missouri. <br />This expository report will examine Shaw and McKay’s theory and its possible application to Branson’s community. First, Shaw and McKay’s theory will be examined. Second, the crime demographics for 2006 and 2009 will be examined to give a crime trend for the area. Third the area’s community outreach programs will be examined for location and functionality. Finally, possible application of Shaw and McKay’s theories will be examined and suggestions made. <br />Shaw and McKay’s theory of community<br />Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay were the first researchers who systematically examine metropolitan area crime CITATION Con10 1033 (Conklin, 2010). Operating on Burgess’ theory of concentric zoning, Shaw and McKay examined the Chicago metropolitan area that was transforming from a rundown residential area to a central business district CITATION Con10 1033 (Conklin, 2010). “Shaw and McKay found that rates of arrest for delinquency—as well as rates of adult crime, truancy, tuberculosis, infant mortality, and mental disorder—were highest in the center of the city and declined with increasing distance” CITATION Con10 82 1033 (Conklin, 2010, p. 82). <br />The distribution of crimes within the Chicago area suggested that race was not a contributing factor for the cause of crime in the downtown Chicago area CITATION Con10 1033 (Conklin, 2010). The rate of crime within a race was higher the closer the individual lived to the center of the city across all races CITATION Con10 1033 (Conklin, 2010). Upon completion of their research, Shaw and McKay concluded crime was a local problem that needed a local solution CITATION Con10 1033 (Conklin, 2010). <br />Branson crime <br />In 2006, Branson’s population was 7,061 CITATION FBI06 1033 (FBI, 2006). One murder and 150 violent crimes were reported in Branson in 2006 CITATION FBI06 1033 (FBI, 2006). Nine forcible rapes and ten robberies were reported in 2006 (FBI, 2006). One hundred thirty aggravated assaults were reported in 2006 (FBI, 2006). In 2006, 1,088 property crimes were reported (FBI, 2006). One hundred and twenty burglaries and 929 larcenies-thefts were reported in Branson during the 2006-year (FBI, 2006). Thirty-two motor vehicle thefts were reported for 2006 (FBI, 2006). No arsons were reported in 2006 for Branson (FBI, 2006). <br />In 2009, Branson’s population was 7,734 CITATION FBI09 1033 (FBI, 2009). There were 112 violent crimes known to law enforcement in Branson CITATION FBI09 1033 (FBI, 2009). No murders were reported in 2009 for Branson CITATION FBI09 1033 (FBI, 2009). One forcible rape and nine robberies were known CITATION FBI09 1033 (FBI, 2009). One hundred and two aggravated assaults were reported CITATION FBI09 1033 (FBI, 2009). There were 928 property crimes and 116 burglaries in 2009 for Branson CITATION FBI09 1033 (FBI, 2009). In 2009, 797 larcenies-thefts were known to law enforcement CITATION FBI09 1033 (FBI, 2009). One arson and 15 motor vehicle thefts were reported in 2009 for Branson CITATION FBI09 1033 (FBI, 2009). <br />Facilities and youth centers<br />The higher areas of crime appear to be in the business district of Branson CITATION Citnd 1033 (Data, n.d.). However, all recreational facilities and youth centers are located in the outer areas of the city. There are no recreational facilities or youth centers within the heart of Branson’s business district, which is also the highest area of crime within the city. The current youth organizations in the area include the Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, the Boy Scouts, and the Girl Scouts. There is also a community center for youths located within Branson. Aside from the community center, the Boys & Girls Club is the only organization with a building within city limits dedicated to youth activities. <br />Application of Shaw and McKay’s research<br />Shaw and McKay’s conclusion for their research was the basis for the initiation of a community program referred to as the Chicago Area Project CITATION Con10 1033 (Conklin, 2010). The Chicago Area Project initiated community programs and support for low-income areas within Chicago. “Programs were planned and implemented by members of local churches, unions, business groups, athletic clubs, and other community organizations” CITATION Con10 82 1033 (Conklin, 2010, p. 82). A goal of these programs was to provide youths with alternatives to delinquency through recreational activities CITATION Con10 1033 (Conklin, 2010). The appearance of the community was also addressed through the program. In addition, the school system and parental involvement was improved through the creation of a parent-teacher organization CITATION Con10 1033 (Conklin, 2010). Finally, Shaw and McKay state that the degree in which a community is allowed to cope with crime correlates with crime rates. <br />Based on Shaw and McKay’s researcher, the recommended actions to reduce crime in the city of Branson are as follows. First, the community should be involved in creating recreational facilities within the business district that target the community’s youth. The large number of churches in the area can be contacted for input and implication of such facilities. Local youth organizations, such as the Boys & Girls club, the YMCA, the Boy Scouts, and the Girl Scouts also need to be contacted. Second, plans for drawing in business need to include businesses that provide the general population with substantial jobs. Substantial jobs include those that are above minimum wage. Doing so will reduce the poverty rates in the area. <br />References<br /> BIBLIOGRAPHY 1033 Conklin, J. (2010). Criminology (10 th ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.<br />Connect, A. (n.d.). Branson crime statistics and crime data. Retrieved from areaConnect: http://branson.areaconnect.com/crime1.htm<br />Data, C. (n.d.). Crime in Branson, Missouri: Murders, rapes, robberies, assualts, burglaries, thefts, auto thefts, arson, law enforcement employees, police officers. Retrieved from City Data.com: http://www.city-data.com/crime/crime-Branson-Missouri.html<br />FBI. (2006). Uniform Crime Report: Missouri 2006. Retrieved from FBI.gov: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2006 <br />FBI. (2009). Uniform Crime Report: Missouri 2009. Retrieved from FBI.gov: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2009<br />