Hurricane Katrina and Crime

Paper Summary:

Hurricane Katrina was the worst natural disaster in American History. Although the storm itself was a destructive force, the social and political issues that arose in its wake are likely to go down in history as even more destructive. One of the most discussed social issues has to do with the increased crime rates that have occurred in cities that absorbed large numbers of Hurricane Katrina evacuees. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of citizen displacement on cities such as Houston and San Antonio, Texas. In particular it focuses on the rising crime rate in Houston and the theory that may explain why there has been such a significant increase in the amount of crime in the area.

Outline:
Introduction
Crime Increases in Houston, Texas Following Hurricane Katrina
Social Disorganization Theory
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"There may be several reasons why the increase in crime has been so prevalent in Houston. For the purposes of this discussion, we will focus on Social disorganization theory particularly as it relates to residential instability. According to National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) social disorganization theory can be described as
"an inability of community members to achieve shared values or to solve jointly experienced problems (Bursik, 1988; Social Disorganization and Rural Communities)." The article explains further that the problem of social disorganization is usually prevalent in urban areas that are the only places the newly arriving poor (evacuees) can afford to live. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bursik, R.J., Jr., and Grasmick, H.G. 1993. Neighborhoods and Crime: The Dimensions of Effective Community Control. New York, NY: Lexington Books.
• Houston Cops Link Crime To Katrina. August 16, 2006. CBS News. Retrieved December 5, 2006 from: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/08/15/national/main1895797.shtml
• Moreno S., 2006. Monday, February 6, 2006After Welcoming Evacuees, Houston Handles Spike in Crime. Washington Post. Page A03
• Warner, B.D., and Pierce, G.L. 1993. Reexamining social disorganization theory using calls to the police as a measure of crime. Criminology 31(4):493-517.
• Social Disorganization and Rural Communities. National Criminal Justice Reference. Service Retrieved December 5, 2006 from:http://www.ncjrs.gov/html/ojjdp/193591/page1.html

More papers on Hurricane Katrina and Crime:

• Analytical Essay # 146321 : "Ethics, Nursing Homes and Hurricane Katrina"
• Research Paper # 74638 : "Katrina: Post-Hurricane Failure in New Orleans"
• Term Paper # 147646 : "Federal Mismanagement both Before and After Hurricane Katrina"

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