Trends in Crime Prevention in The Netherlands (From Communities and Crime Reduction, P 260-277, 1988, Tim Hope and Margaret Shaw, eds. -- See NCJ-118256)

• NCJ Number: 118273
• Author(s): J J M van Dijk; J Junger-Tas
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: Her Majesty's Stationery Office
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

The government of The Netherlands developed a new policy toward crime in 1985 and is both differentiating between strategies focusing on petty crime and those focusing on serious crime and conducting several experiments in crime prevention being operated by local governments.

Abstract

The new policy followed the recommendations of an independent committee set up in 1983 to focus on policies toward petty crime, which increased sharply in the 1970's. The committee noted the declining influence of traditional institutions like churches and labor organizations and the need for other efforts providing supervision and socialization of youths. The government shared the committee's view that petty crime is essentially the result of underlying social problems for which the criminal law is not the appropriate mode of approach in the first place. The government is now subsidizing prevention programs focusing on situational prevention, efforts to improve the socialization of youth, and interagency cooperation. Specific projects are focusing on problem behavior on public transportation, reduction of school failure, and vandalism prevention. Tables, notes, and 14 references.