NCJ Number
114126
Date Published
1987
Length
9 pages
Annotation
In England, the Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) has implemented a research and development program that focuses on the what, who, and how of the crime problem.
Abstract
CPU activities seek to heighten public awareness of crime prevention through press campaigns, a magazine, and demonstration programs. They also seek to foster crime prevention elements within the policies of central Government departments, stimulate crime prevention activities in areas facing social and economic problems, encourage private-sector participation, advance police training, and foster research leading to new and innovative crime prevention measures. The CPU program emphasizes the prevention process -- a five-stage sequence of activities that includes data collection, data analyses and interpretation, and evaluation. Each of these phases raises issues and challenges that must be dealt with. Some of these include under-reporting of crime, crime recording biases, statistical issues, logistics and organizational constraints, and the possibility of crime displacement rather than prevention. In addition, there are broader issues raised by competing law enforcement demands, conflicts among interest groups, and conflicting organizational perspectives and responsibilities. A coordinated approach to crime prevention also requires adequate mechanisms for accountability. A question-and-answer discussion is appended. 21 references.