Civil Order Crime

Bernard Cohen

Civil order crime is a generic, catchall term that can apply to a variety of crimes. It more specifically refers to minor criminal behavior that is likely to be seen or heard—or both—in the street and is frequently observed at predictable times and locations. Offenders often openly transact business on the street. Thus, an observer visiting such locations at set times will predictably observe overt criminal activity. These locations are often outdoor public spaces, including streets, playgrounds, shopping areas, business districts, and even residential neighborhoods, tending to be concentrated in less-affluent communities and heavily traveled business or industrial districts. An all-encompassing term for this criminal conduct is public order crimes , also known as “quality-of-life offenses.” Individuals who engage in these public acts include panhandlers, illegal peddlers, street prostitutes, transients with dangerous mental illness, intoxicated persons who create a public disturbance, excessive noisemakers (people with loud motorcycles, “boom boxes,” car ...

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