NCJ Number
179014
Date Published
1999
Length
119 pages
Annotation
This volume is intended to encourage decision makers in governments, public institutions, and the private sector to establish more effective and efficient approaches to crime prevention by effectively targeting the known risks factors and actions with demonstrated capacity for preventing crime and victimization.
Abstract
The discussion notes that crime rates generally remain two to three times higher than in the 1960's despite some recent declines in some developed countries. In addition, private security and incarceration rates have continued to expand and cost more. The public is also dissatisfied with governmental policies on crime. Social development risk factors include inconsistent and ineffective parenting, dropping out of school, youth unemployment, and dysfunctional families and irresponsible behavior. Effective actions to target these factors include home visits by nurses, parent training, preschool enrichment programs, home visits by teachers, mentoring, incentives to complete school, youth employment programs, and functional family therapy. Risk factors for victimization include a lack of surveillance, inadequate protection of goods, sexism and gender inequalities, firearm accessibility, and alcohol and drugs. Effective actions include cocoon neighborhood watch, protection of credit cards and bank cards, treatment for abusive men, gun control legislation, and drug treatment programs. These programs reduce crime and victimization and are more cost-effective than traditional crime control strategies. Most of these actions can be adapted to meet local circumstances. In addition, more should be done to address other risk factors such as relative poverty, inadequate housing, domestic assault, and the culture of violence. Figures, tables, addresses of national agencies, and 174 references