Quality-of-Life Crime: Definition
The term, ?quality-of-life crime??sometimes referred to as ?livability crime? or ?nuisance
crime??refers to relatively minor, nonviolent, illegal behaviors that collectively undermine
people?s sense of well-being and public safety in an area. Generally, the term includes such
violations as: street prostitution, minor drug dealing, loitering to solicit or commit prostitution or
to buy or sell drugs, petty theft, aggressive panhandling, unlicensed vending, street gambling,
turnstile jumping, vandalism, public urination, graffiti, littering, noise violations, and so on. Most
such low-level crimes are legally defined as misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors, or ordinance
violations. However, some might actually be gross misdemeanor or felony-level offenses,
including for example, drug sales,1 more costly acts of vandalism, and certain repeat offenses.
Generally, only the lower level offenses would be handled by a community court.
Now you can see how those crimes (drug dealing, theft, and prostitution) can quickly turn into a situation that involves a shootout.
"Gonnella, part of the Neighborhood Enforcement Stabilization Task force, was on patrol when he and several other officers spotted several men standing outside the apartment building, in an area known for drug crimes and other "quality of life" offenses, Ambrose said.
As Gonnella and eight other officers approached the group of four or five men, one of those men, still unidentified, fired several shots. "
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