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Lessons for Canadian Crime Prevention From Recent International Experience

NCJ Number
228973
Journal
Revue de l' IPC Review Volume: 3 Dated: March 2009 Pages: 13-39
Author(s)
Peter Homel
Date Published
March 2009
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This article examines how Canada's current crime prevention initiatives compare to those initiatives of other countries.
Abstract
Results indicate that the success of Canada's current crime prevention initiatives will require a committed national leadership, a coherent and flexible policy framework based on evidence, and results-oriented practices that are efficiently monitored and openly reported. In addition, there must be responsive partnership arrangements with governance mechanisms respectful of specific communities, priorities, and experiences. This article identifies eight key aspects of contemporary crime prevention practice which appear to be associated with the continuing declines in crime in most of the Western developed world and examines their relevance in Canada. These characteristics include: collaborative multi-agency partnerships using multiple linked interventions, problem focused analysis, evidence-based strategies with a strong outcome focus, and an emphasis on centrally driven initiatives that are delivered locally. Data were collected using examples of prevention initiatives from the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. References