NCJ Number
174112
Editor(s)
B Webb
Date Published
1998
Length
66 pages
Annotation
This report reviews research findings about the structures and practices in police agencies in Great Britain and the ways they promote crime prevention.
Abstract
Results revealed that the police can and do prevent crime in many ways. The police are especially well placed to prevent crime through law enforcement or the threat of enforcement, although they can also prevent crime through targeted patrol, security advice, and work with youth at attendance centers. However, the local government, the probation service, health officials, the private and voluntary sectors, and the general public can also help prevent crime. Partnerships among agencies have been recommended for many years, but they have often proved difficult to establish. The most effective crime prevention strategies use a problem-solving approach. A four-stage problem solving model includes routine scanning and analysis of relevant data, strategy formulation, implementation of attempted solutions, and monitoring and evaluation. Police need to collect data reliably in a form useful for crime prevention. In addition, effective crime prevention strategies require knowledge of systematically evaluated past practices and established principles for crime prevention. Effective measures also need to be tailored to local conditions. Implementing solutions requires proper training, breaking down the divisions between detection and prevention, prioritization of prevention, and accountability for prevention. Monitoring also needs to be distinguished from evaluation. Finally, many problems can be addressed locally, while others require national action. Appended checklist for local police managers and 102 references