ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON CRIME AND STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING SAFETY IN COMMUNITIES

In a society characterized by strong existential dynamism, it is particularly important to understand how the surrounding environment influences crime rates and what strategies can be implemented to promote safety in communities.In the first part of the article, various categories of environmental factors that can influence criminality are explored, such as the physical characteristics of the urban environment, the quality of housing, and accessibility to social services. By examining the specialized literature from multiple research fields, we highlight the complex links between these factors and crime. This work does not allow us to detail and exhaustively treat the topic, so we highlight the most important elements to provide a general framework of understanding, synthesizing the essential aspects to facilitate further analysis and guide future research towards identifying effective solutions for reducing crime and promoting a safe environment in communities.In the second part of the article, we present possible strategies and interventions for increasing community safety, based on understanding the relationship between environmental context and criminality. These include aspects of urban redesign and regeneration, the implementation of crime prevention programs, and the promotion of community participation, emphasizing the diversity of approaches and their adaptability to the specifics of each human entity.The article also highlights the importance of continuous evaluation of the impact of environmental factors on criminality and the effectiveness of implemented strategies to enhance security. We underline the need for collaboration between researchers, managers, law enforcement personnel, and citizens to develop and implement sustainable solutions in the fight against crime and the protection of public safety.