NCJ Number
181875
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 46 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2000 Pages: 194-213
Date Published
April 2000
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article provides an example of the successful use of non-random controlled trials (RCT) realist experimental evaluations in repeat victimization research and policy development in Great Britain.
Abstract
The first part of the article discusses the nature of experimentation in science and highlights its distinctiveness when applied to criminal policy matters. The second part of the article briefly considers RCTs, and the third section profiles a British example in which experimentation has played a major role in influencing policy. The initial experimental study was located on a public housing estate in northwest England. The project, referred to by the name of the estate (Kirkholt), had the objective of reducing burglary. Kirkholt's longer term follow-up program focused on repeat victimization. Kirkholt was commended because of its apparent achievements and because it raised no serious problems of principle for politicians or the police. Because there was some skepticism about the validity of the results from Kirkholt, however, there was particular interest in determining whether its achievements had been reproduced elsewhere. An overview of Kirkholt replications was commissioned. The replications achieved declines in repeat victimization; therefore, repeat victimization-focused crime prevention was advocated by the Home Office policy. A demonstration project was introduced to find how repeat victimization could effectively be addressed routinely. Lessons drawn from the British experience are summarized. 7 figures and 35 references