5 days in August A literature review of cost and benefits – of crime prevention interventions Introduction & Background Ipsos MORI were commissioned by DCLG to conduct a literature review to inform the ongoing programme of work for the Riots Communities and Victims Panel. The review forms one part of a three strand study exploring developmental pathways and best practice in tackling crime. In particular the review aimed to identify different approaches to managing the type of offenders involved in the riots and the costs and benefits of interventions at various stages. Literature on the role of different agencies aimed at turning vulnerable young people away from crime and disorder and rehabilitating those already in the system was also explored. Methodology This report is a short but comprehensive review of the different approaches used to tackle the causes of youth crime nationally and internationally. Where able, consideration is also given to how effective these methods are. The questions asked are as followed: What are the underlying causes of youth crime and what attempts are being made to reduce the impact of these associated risk-factors? What are the financial and social costs associated with youth crime? How are the attempts being made to reduce youth crime and how do they compare? To what extent can we measure the cost-effectiveness of prevention and restoration programmes? Search Strategy To address these questions, relevant research concerning these areas were identified by searching internet and journal sources within the discipline of criminology, the social sciences and crime and justice using an extensive list of key search terms in order to cover the complexity of the youth crime subject, and address all possible areas. A comprehensive search of international research was gathered in order to add weight to the UK findings and examine the picture of approaches to tackling youth crime on a global scale. Selection Criteria The results were assessed in regards to their relevance. The criteria for establishing this significance was based on: How well the resource could demonstrate the context of youth crime; • Outline of the key theoretical arguments; • Evidence of a successful programme; • Evidence of a cost-effective programme; and • The robustness of the design of the research and quality of evidence. • Study Description This short review of existing literature firstly explores the developmental pathways of young people into crime and anti social behaviour. Secondly, it examines the evidence that exists in effectively addressing these factors and the behaviour of young people, in particular the cost effectiveness of such initiatives. Evidence drawn from international literature is also considered, in reviewing the wider knowledge base of ‘what works’.
5 days in August – A literature review of cost and benefits of crime prevention interventions Introduction & Background Ipsos MORI were commissioned by DCLG to conduct a literature review to inform the ongoing programme of work for the Riots Communities and Victims Panel. The review forms one part of a three strand study exploring developmental pathways and best practice in tackling crime. In particular the review aimed to identify different approaches to managing the type of offenders involved in the riots and the costs and benefits of interventions at various stages. Literature on the role of different agencies aimed at turning vulnerable young people away from crime and disorder and rehabilitating those already in the system was also explored. Methodology This report is a short but comprehensive review of the different approaches used to tackle the causes of youth crime nationally and internationally. Where able, consideration is also given to how these methods are. The questions asked are as followed: What are the underlying causes of youth crime and what attempts are being made to reduce the impact of these associated risk-factors? What are the financial and social costs associated with youth crime? How effective are the attempts being made to reduce youth crime and how do they compare? To what extent can we measure the cost-effectiveness of prevention and restoration programmes? Search Strategy To address these questions, relevant research concerning these areas were identified by searching internet and journal sources within the discipline of criminology, the social sciences and crime and justice using an extensive list of key search terms in order to cover the complexity of the youth crime subject, and address all possible areas. A comprehensive search of international research was gathered in order to add weight to the UK findings and examine the picture of approaches to tackling youth crime on a global scale. Selection Criteria The results were assessed in regards to their relevance. The criteria for establishing this significance was based on: • How well the resource could demonstrate the context of youth crime; • Outline of the key theoretical arguments; • Evidence of a successful programme; • Evidence of a cost-effective programme; and • The robustness of the design of the research and quality of evidence. Study Description This short review of existing literature firstly explores the developmental pathways of young people into crime and anti social behaviour. Secondly, it examines the evidence that exists in effectively addressing these factors and the behaviour of young people, in particular the cost effectiveness of such initiatives. Evidence drawn from international literature is also considered, in reviewing the wider knowledge base of ‘what works’.