The first duty of police is crime prevention, and community involvement is critical. Crime and delinquency should be viewed as an infraction of the law and as antisocial conduct. If social defense programs adopt a community-based approach, in tune with a country's national development, and are designed to improve standards of education, employment, health, and living conditions, community conflicts can be reduced and associated crime, delinquency, and fear of crime can be minimized. Preventive social defense should particularly focus on youth. Police officers have a direct part to play in juvenile delinquency prevention because they represent the first agency to whom such incidents are reported. India's Juvenile Justice Act of 1986 is designed to encompass juvenile care, treatment, education, and development. Social defense in India also includes the components of imprisonment, probation, the rehabilitation of alcohol and drug abusers, sex crime prevention, and victim assistance. 7 references