In May 1981 a change of government brought the left into power. They had denounced the repressive approach to crime. However, collective acts of violence occurred in several cities in the summer of 1981. Thus, the new government had to be seen as dealing with the problem of crime, as inventing new ways to address the problem, and as avoiding major new expenditures. Thus, in the spring of 1982 the prime minister established a commission of mayors from the four main political parties to formulate specific proposals. The commission's report led to the formation of the National Council for Prevention of Crime. The Council has set up a network of local community councils. These in turn have established a wide range of efforts, from recreation, education, and employment to victim support and offender rehabilitation. The effectiveness of these efforts will require assessments over the middle or long term. Meanwhile, the French model is receiving attention from the European community, which has developed initiatives to strengthen the ties between research and action.