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Why Are Crime Rates Going Down? A Case Study in Edmonton

NCJ Number
169234
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 39 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1997) Pages: 51-69
Author(s)
L W Kennedy; D Veitch
Date Published
1997
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study examined factors in the precipitous drop in crime rates in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada) reported over the past 2 years.
Abstract
The data, covering 1984 to 1994, were provided by the Edmonton Police Service. Dispatch data generated from 911 calls and calls for service were analyzed. In addition, researchers analyzed data collected through an annual survey of Edmonton citizens (District Area Survey) since 1990. This survey focuses on issues such as public attitudes toward police performance, public concerns over safety and security, fear of crime, victimization, and confidence in the police. Data show that from 1989 through 1991, crimes against persons increased 21 percent in Edmonton. Since 1992, however, crimes against persons dropped 32 percent, from its peak in 1991. Similarly, property-related offenses increased by 16 percent from 1989 through 1991. Since 1992 the number of property offenses have decreased 39 percent. Correspondingly, clearance rates for these two crime categories have also improved since 1991, up 12.8 percent for crimes against persons and 22.8 percent for property offenses. Previous analyses show that the major reasons for changes in crime rates include reduction in the numbers of the at-risk population, deterioration in the social and economic climate, changes in laws, alterations in access to police, and changes in the proactive nature of policing. The current study indicates that the drop in crime rates were a function of declines in property crime reporting, administrative decisions taken to alter the access to police resources for the public, and a shift toward community policing with an emphasis on problem solving and crime prevention. 3 figures, 1 table, and 27 references