10 December 2009
Media Release
Improving crime prevention knowledge and practice
A new research paper looking at the most recent Australian and international experience of
crime prevention and offering a way forward in tackling the underlying causes of crime has
been released today by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC).
The AIC estimates that the current annual cost of crime is $36 billion in Australia and,
although we have experienced significant declines in almost all categories of crime over the
past decade, Improving crime prevention knowledge and practice suggests a considerable
level of that cost could be reduced or prevented.
AIC Crime Prevention Research Manager, Peter Homel, says implementing and sustaining
effective and efficient crime prevention initiatives can contribute significantly to safe and
secure societies, but he argues research demonstrates that the effectiveness of many
initiatives is hampered by a lack of access to adequate crime prevention knowledge and
technical skills.
“For too long, crime prevention has been approached as an activity that is an adjunct to the
main game of investigating, prosecuting and punishing crime,” Mr Homel said.
“However, research shows that crime prevention is optimally effective when it is embraced
as an activity in its own right with specific objectives.
“In particular, the internationalisation of crime has highlighted the need for renewed efforts to
increase the efficiency of knowledge transfer, skills development, project management, and
crime prevention performance measurement and evaluation.”
The paper suggests the development of a comprehensive national strategy for delivering
technical assistance to Australia’s diverse crime prevention workforce to improve
performance and effectiveness and prepare for new and emerging issues.
“This should focus on improving workforce skills and organisational development and
strengthening and improving the effective dissemination of the crime prevention evidence
base,” Mr Homel said.
AIC media contact: Caterina Giugovaz Telephone: 02 6260 9226; Mobile: 0418 221 798.
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