NCJ Number
120531
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 31 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1989) Pages: 359-402
Date Published
1989
Length
44 pages
Annotation
After reviewing research findings pertaining to crime causes, this report recommends a multifaceted strategy of crime prevention in Canada.
Abstract
An overview of the research notes three major conclusions underlying social factors linked to crime. These include a distinction between occasional and persistent delinquents, the existence of high-crime areas with distinguishing characteristics, and the existence of multiple factors and cycles in crime. Some basic crime factors considered are age, gender, socioeconomic status, and being a native. Other factors discussed are early childhood and parenting, delinquent friends, trouble in school, employment difficulties, concentrated public housing, and marital relations. Some associated factors addressed are alcohol, drugs, television, and diet. Crime prevention recommendations for Canada focus on parents and families; schools; social housing and neighborhoods; employment; and substance abuse, the media, and health. A chapter on the various agents of crime prevention discusses the roles of the Federal Government, provincial and territorial governments, municipalities, the police, the voluntary sector, the private sector, native Canadians, and citizens. The overall strategy recommended consists of an integrated, interinstitutional, and interdisciplinary program of crime prevention, planned jointly by the Federal provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, with citizen participation. 14-item bibliography.