Citation

Casteel CH, Peek-Asa CL, Greenland S, Chu LD, Kraus JF. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2008; 50(12): 1365-1370.

Affiliation

Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (Dr Peek-Asa), University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0b013e3181845fcf

PMID

19092491

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: Examine the effectiveness of a robbery and violence prevention program in small businesses in Los Angeles. METHODS:: Gas/convenience, liquor and grocery stores, bars/restaurants, and motels were enrolled between 1997 and 2000. Intervention businesses (n = 305) were provided training, program implementation materials, and recommendations for a comprehensive security program. Control businesses (n = 96) received neither training nor program materials. RESULTS:: Rate ratios comparing intervention to control businesses were 0.90 for violent crime (95% confidence limits [CL] = 0.53, 1.53) and 0.81 for robbery (95% CL = 0.38, 1.73). The reduction in violent crime was concentrated in high-compliance intervention businesses (risk ratio = 0.74, 95% CL = 0.40, 1.36). Low-compliance intervention businesses had practically the same postintervention crime as the control businesses. CONCLUSIONS:: Our results suggest that the workplace violence intervention may reduce violent crime among high-risk businesses, especially those with high program compliance.

Language: en