Preventive Interventions in the Criminal Justice System - A Process Analysis

• NCJ Number: 90394
• Journal: Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 25 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1983) Pages: 319-328
• Author(s): C Hiew; C B Collrin
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: Canada
• Note: Preliminary version of this paper was presented at the Canadian Congress for the Prevention of Crime in Winnipeg, July 1981.

Annotation

This paper analyzes the process of developing crime prevention interventions in community settings, notably the shoplifting prevention program established in Fredericton (Canada).

Abstract

The key aspects of developing a collaborative relationship between criminal justice professionals and various community agencies and organizations to prevent crime are (1) style -- the development of abilities conducive to collaboration; (2) commitment -- the application of an appropriate amount of time, energy, interest, and determination to content, process, and the team; (3) the development of trust between the collaborators; (4) exploration -- a search for ways and means of resolving criminal behavior leading to preventive intervention programs; (5) a sharing of values; and (6) a problemsolving attitude. Advantages of the collaborative relationship are to be found in the areas of problem clarification and definition, community participation, program initiation, and program implementation and dissemination. The planned program strategy to prevent shoplifting in Fredericton was to organize large segments of the community for joint participation and action. Through the direct involvement of such individuals and organizations as students, police retailers, managers, prosecutors, and the general public and through an extensive awareness campaign, the message conveyed was the seriousness of shoplifting, the costs to the community and the great discrepancy between a negative societal attitude toward theft and actual widespread shoplifting. Collaboration was also developed for the implementation of a variety of programs for dealing with youth involved in shoplifting. Program results included a reduction in shoplifting charges, reduction in juvenile and family court charges, a reduction in juvenile probation caseloads, and an increased use of community service orders. As a result of the collaboration, there was also significant community change. Tabular data and eight references are provided.