NCJ Number
181114
Journal
Topics in Crime Prevention Dated: Fall 1999 Pages: 1-7
Date Published
1999
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Crime costs Americans billions of dollars each year -- an estimated $1.23 billion each day and preventing crime can reduce these costs.
Abstract
A case is made for crime prevention as a sound public policy investment. Overall crime costs and crime costs in specific crime areas are examined, and examples of how crime prevention saves money are provided. Cost-benefit studies that have documented the cost-effectiveness of crime prevention strategies are summarized and compared with alternative forms of dealing with crime. Examples are provided of how the costs of crime and the cost-effectiveness of crime prevention persuaded two major government entities, Washington State and Great Britain, to place heavier emphasis on prevention strategies in their anticrime efforts. 2 tables