Assignment:
The Weed and Seed program is a Federal grant initiative that seeks to revitalize cities around the country. This competitive grant program combines law enforcement strategies with community development and has been used in hundreds of cities around the country.
Weed and Seed is a U.S. Department of Justice initiative that began in 1991, when pilot sites across the nation were selected to implement the strategy. Among the initial sites selected was our state capital, Trenton, New Jersey.
Operation Weed and Seed is a multi-agency strategy that is designed to "weed out" violent crime, gang activity, drug use, and drug trafficking in targeted high crime neighborhoods and to "seed" the target area by restoring these neighborhoods through social and economic revitalization. The Weed and Seed strategy recognizes the importance of linking and integrating federal, state and local services, the private sector, and community efforts to maximize the impact of existing programs and resources. Residents are empowered to assist in solving problems in their neighborhoods.
At each site, the United States Attorney plays a central role in the Weed and Seed program. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey has helped to establish and maintain nine Weed and Seed sites throughout the district. As of October 2002, the sites are: Atlantic City, Camden (2 sites), Newark, Orange, Pleasantville, Trenton (2 sites) and Vineland. Six other sites are seeking official recognition.
1. Which restoration strategies of the Weed and Seed program are congruent with the ideas of social control theory? Why?
2. Which restoration strategies of the Weed and Seed program are congruent with the ideas of social disorganization theory? Why?
3. Which neighborhood crime factors that the Weed and Seed program identifies can be legitimately handled by police? Which of these need the involvement of other groups and agencies within the community? Why?
4. Has the Weed and Seed program been implemented in the neighborhood or city you have selected? If yes, how successful has this program been in reducing crime rates? If no, how could this program be implemented in your area?
5. Based on your understanding of neighborhood crimes, what five suggestions would you recommend for better results from the Weed and Seed program? Provide a rationale to support your recommendations.
Use references and cite sources