NCJ Number
136442
Date Published
Unknown
Length
21 pages
Annotation
In response to an increase in crime in the Netherlands since the 1970's, the government in 1985 instituted a two-track policy in which the criminal justice system was strengthened and an extensive crime prevention program was implemented.
Abstract
The plan calls for the cooperation of all relevant government agencies, local public authorities, business, private organizations, and individuals in combatting crime. The aims of the social crime prevention policy are: improve the physical design of urban environments to facilitate surveillance of potential offenders and reduce opportunities for crime; install people who can conduct functional surveillance as part of their job into high risk environments; and find ways to strengthen the bonds between youth and society through the family, school, recreation, and employment. The Interdepartmental Committee for Social Crime Prevention is currently supporting about 200 local projects including anti-vandalism programs, urban renewal programs, neighborhood watch projects, and comprehensive programs aimed at preventing truancy and dropping out from secondary schools. Five cases of successful Dutch anti-crime programs from public transportation, schools, diversion, public housing, and retail stores are described in detail. In 1990, the Dutch parliament adopted a new crime prevention program that calls for the improvement of security levels across the board, the standardization of security products and services within the European Community, the promotion of neighborhood watch programs, and the restructuring of police-based crime prevention. 10 figures and 38 references