This article reports on a systematic review of evaluations and descriptions of crime/violence interventions that also address substance use.
This was done in the context of developing “Thrive in the 05,” a crime/violence prevention initiative with the goal of decreasing crime/violence through a targeted place-based approach that also targets substance use. Following AMSTAR guidelines, the review systematically searched 12 databases and found 73 articles that fit the inclusion criteria. Forty articles evaluated crime/violence and substance use prevention programs implemented in the community, schools, justice system, or health care system, and 19 articles described programs implemented in these milieus. Most studies were implemented in schools, highlighting the need for additional programs that target high-risk adults. There is a need for researchers to collect multiple sources of data and engage in more randomized controlled trials. Finally, community-based prevention efforts should collect data from law enforcement personnel. (publisher abstract modified)