NCJ Number
178052
Date Published
1997
Length
67 pages
Annotation
This digest provides a synopsis of what is known about crime prevention in seven countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, France, the Netherlands, and the United States.
Abstract
The first chapter reviews the causal factors in crime and brings together evaluations of some of the various types of crime prevention programs and delivery mechanisms that have produced crime reductions. After reviewing knowledge about crime causes, the chapter reviews the extent to which crime is reduced by five types of crime prevention projects: designing out crime, promoting social control, supporting young persons and families, breaking the cycle of violence against women and children, and promoting individual responsibility. The chapter then presents some results from crime prevention partnerships that are based on city action and on police and justice cooperation with other agencies. The second chapter addresses some of the financial costs of crime and assesses the potential economic benefits of crime prevention. It analyzes the cost of police officers and private security guards, the cost of incarceration, the cost of criminal justice processing, and the cost to crime victims. These costs are compared to the costs and benefits of crime prevention efforts. The third chapter provides some comparative information on crime trends and presents some findings from surveys of public attitudes toward crime and its prevention. The recommendations of government commissions on crime prevention are also presented. The fourth chapter compares the crime-prevention strategies of central governments. Overall, the digest presents a wealth of projects and strategies that have reduced crime and achieved cost savings. Extensive figures and appended central strategies to foster crime prevention