NCJ Number
210513
Date Published
February 2005
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This background paper for a workshop at the 11th United Nations (U.N.) Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (April 18-25, 2005 in Bangkok) summarizes key trends and practices in crime prevention and suggests why U.N. member states, other parts of the international community, and local governments should increase investments in crime prevention in urban areas, with a focus on youth at risk.
Abstract
The challenges of crime prevention planning are to identify and mitigate crime causes. Criminogenic factors that must be addressed, particularly in developing countries, are increasing urbanization, poverty, income disparities, and the breakdown of traditional socialization mechanisms. Addressing these factors requires intergovernmental cooperation and ultimately the involvement of the local community in addressing family, individual, neighborhood, and community factors that place youth at risk for criminal behavior. At the national and subregional levels, many countries have integrated strategies and mechanisms that facilitate crime prevention planning and implementation at the local level. This paper describes some of these efforts. The most effective crime prevention strategies have involved youth; a range of local services and partners; a balanced investment in early intervention, social education, and comprehensive crime control; and the targeting and tailoring of programs to factors that protect specific areas and groups at risk of crime. Strategies and interventions should be monitored and evaluated in order to facilitate the adaptation and broader application of good practice and evidence-based knowledge. International efforts should focus on standards, information exchange, and technical assistance that can be applied at the local level. 47 notes