Some of the reasons of crime are deeply ingrained and linked to our society’s history and socioeconomic circumstances. As a result, a complete approach must go beyond simply providing good policing. It must also include provisions for civil society mobilization and engagement in addressing crime.
To effectively reduce crime, government must be transformed and reorganized, as well as actual community participation encouraged. We must build a new social fabric that is strong enough to withstand the rigors of fast change in a new society. Expecting this to happen too soon would undermine effective planning and robust creation of a new criminal justice system.
Most essentially, this plan necessitates that the government move beyond crisis management and reaction. Government must ensure that good crime-reduction strategy and long-term success continue well into the next century.
Criminal justice procedure reengineering
This initiative aims to improve the efficiency and efficacy of the criminal justice system, enhancing the likelihood of successful investigation, conviction, and punishment for high-priority offences. It aims to shorten the time between reporting a crime and sentencing, so strengthening the deterrent quality of the criminal justice system and increasing public trust.
Intelligence and crime information
Adequate crime information is critical not only for successful investigation and punishment of organized crime syndicates, but also for establishing preventive efforts under Pillars 2, 3, and 4. This program entails concentrating resources and improving coordination and analysis at all levels. It also entails making better use of existing “intelligence.”
Prosecutorial Procedures
The investigative and prosecutorial priority assigned to various offenses is a critical aspect in the efficient utilization of resources. A clear prosecution policy is necessary to optimize investigative and court capacity while also building public trust. This policy will be determined by the Attorneys General (AGs), and it is critical that this program not jeopardize the independence of the judiciary.
Community sentence that is appropriate
To deal with serious offenders more effectively, available correctional resources must be deployed in a focused manner. Prison sentences for minor offenders lower the chances of reintegration into society and adds to the weight on the criminal justice system. Increasing the availability of community sentencing choices following conviction improves the humane treatment of small offenders while also improving the overall efficacy of incarceration by lowering the burden on the correctional services department. This will also reduce recidivism in this industry.
Using environmental design to reduce crime
The high prevalence of many types of crime is attributable to an environment that affords many chances for crime while posing low risks of detection or prosecution. This pillar will advance the construction of security-based residential areas, buildings, and shopping malls. The ultimate goal of this pillar is to ensure that safety and crime prevention concerns are incorporated into the design of all new structures and systems, as well as the re-design and upgrading of existing locations.
