NCJ Number
154758
Date Published
1995
Length
162 pages
Annotation
This book describes crime prevention strategies adopted throughout Europe and North America and offers policymakers and practitioners a step-by-step guide to preventing crime in their own country.
Abstract
In the introduction, issues related to defining and classifying crime prevention are discussed within the overall context of competing explanations for the substantial rise in crime in western societies and the simultaneous expansion of a wide range of administrative arrangements and strategies for preventing and reducing crime. Three main crime prevention categories are identified: criminality prevention, situational crime prevention, and community crime prevention. The book focuses on the prevention of property crimes, such as burglary, robbery, and theft, and on street crimes, such as assault and criminal damage. The prevention of criminality is concerned with reducing the disposition of individuals to commit offenses. This involves manipulating socioeconomic structures and institutions that influence the personal and social development of children, young people, and families. Areas of relevant social policies are identified that focus on the family, education, youth, employment, community organization and development, and the police. The nature and effectiveness of crime and criminality prevention strategies are discussed, and guidelines are presented for designing, implementing, and evaluating crime prevention measures. A list of crime prevention initiatives is appended. 254 references