Second International Report on Crime Prevention and Community Safety:
Prevention is the Only Sustainable Solution to Keeping our Cities Safe

MONTREAL, May 27 /CNW Telbec/ - The International Centre for the Prevention of Crime (ICPC) releases today its second annual Report on Crime Prevention and Community Safety: Trends and Perspectives. This report, unique in its kind and scope, was prepared in Montreal, and lays out the results of a two-year global study and an analysis of 65 prevention policies, as well as taking stock of the evolution of crime prevention and the status of best practices.

This long-awaited report provides governments and communities with a crucial tool in designing and implementing public safety policies.

"We have noted considerable progress in the development of prevention policies across the world; however they are still marginalized within the broader scope of public safety policies", said Valérie Sagant, director general of the ICPC.

"At a time where governments are grappling with budgetary constraints, ICPC, through the dissemination of this report, offers precious tools to decision makers on how to improve community safety", according to Paula Miraglia, incoming director general of ICPC.

From Words to Action

One of the Report's main findings is that the trust the population places in its institutions, particularly in the police and the justice system, plays an important role in determining the efficiency of public policy in crime prevention and safety. In this regard, ICPC has worked closely with the Montreal police department (Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal) to assist with the implementation of the SPVM's new action plan that aims to improve the relationship between citizens and the police.

Furthermore, the 2010 International Report focuses on new and significant challenges such as the impact of migration on community safety, organized crime, and alcohol and substance abuse.

About ICPC

The International Centre for the Prevention of Crime, founded in 1994, is a unique international forum for national governments, local authorities, public agencies, specialised institutions, and nongovernmental and community-based organisations to exchange ideas, strategies, and emerging knowledge in crime prevention and community safety. ICPC's mission is to assist cities and countries to improve safety and reduce crime and violence by implementing effective and sustainable preventive policies, strategies, and programmes.

For further information: Émilie Gauduchon, Communications Manager, ICPC, [phone], [email protected]; www.crime-prevention-intl.org