Will Classical Music Throw Gangsters off their Game?

Working under "routine activity theory and situational crime prevention" techniques, transit workers in Tacoma, Washington are mounting speakers to pipe Seattle's classical-format KING-FM channel into the Tacoma Mall Transit Center, where buses pick up and disburse mallgoers, some of whom "make drug deals at the bus stop or use public transportation to circulate between the mall and other trouble-prone places," according to the Associated Press.

The story contained some interesting perspectives.

Jacqueline Helfgott, psychologist and Criminal JusticeDepartment Chair at Seattle University:

"It's based on routine activity theory and situational crime prevention.
You mix different types of activities in locations that arecrime-ridden to change the composition of the environment."

Tony Wilson (no, not that Tony Wilson), 18-year bus-driving veteran:

"It could do one of two things: It could calm the beast, or it couldjust stir things up... I think the reason we don't havemusic on the buses is that you can't please everyone. It would justcause drama."

Rod Baker, chief of public safety, Pierce Transit:

"We want to create an atmosphere that is safe for our passengers... If this has an impact on encouraging people to moveelsewhere instead of hanging around and loitering around an area, thenwhy not?"

Vrahmel Obleanis, 19-year-old with Nintendo GameBoy, waiting at the bus stop:

"They'll say, 'This is whack,' and go over and hang out at the mall orby Babies 'R' Us... The music isn't going to change theattitude of the kids."

On the other hand, I've been listening to Cinematic: Classic Film Music Remixed (Six Degrees Records, 9/11/07) today; orchestral music can sound pretty good with a beat behind it.