Local crime prevention policies:

a critical approach to methodological and evaluation issues

Abstract

This paper sets its focal point on local crime prevention policies and their methodological context. It combines theoretical exploration with empirical research to achieve an analysis and valuation of the preventive actions based on a community-centered crime prevention approach. Therefore, common elements in methodology are highlighted as prerequisites for the success of local crime prevention policies while evaluation emerges as the cornerstone for advancing scientific knowledge and promoting the development of effective, sustainable and replicable local crime prevention actions. According to our conclusions, and bearing in mind the international, European and national experience on this topic, an effective and rational criminal policy at the local level should be based on intensive preliminary work, systematic implementation, and active engagement of the community as well as proper and thorough evaluation.