Presentation by John Winterdyk Presentation by John Winterdyk Director, Centre for Criminology and Justice ResearchDirector, Centre for Criminology and Justice Research

Mount Royal UniversityMount Royal UniversityCalgary, Alberta, CANADACalgary, Alberta, CANADA

Adjunct professor: St. Thomas Un, Un. of Regina and Polytechnic of NamibiaAdjunct professor: St. Thomas Un, Un. of Regina and Polytechnic of Namibia

Sept. 22, 2011Sept. 22, 2011

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What is the Centre for Criminology and Criminal Justice Research (CCJR)?

What theoretical model/assumption? Why is the CCJR involved in supporting social

interventions designed to prevent offending? How is the CCJR attempting to bridge the

implementation gap? How can the CCJR share and expand it scope

and relationship internationally? What lessons learned/to share?

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The CCJR – why?◦ Established Jan. 2010◦ unique◦ funding◦ Staff

Students, network of advisory/consultants◦ Project scope◦ Political quandary – Omnibus Bill (Sept. 20/11)

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Types:◦ Primary – individual and family levels factors (parenting

skills)◦ Secondary – strategies/techniques to address RISK

factors (police hot spots; social programs – D. Olds prenatal)

◦ Tertiary – after crime occurs (post 9/11 and border security, airport screening)

Addressing offences vs. offending Addressing protective and risk factors

◦ The multiplicity and diversity of the risk factors SROI

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Individual◦ Prior history◦ Drugs and/or alcohol◦ Limited education◦ Mental health◦ (Violent) victimization◦ Low/poor self-control…impulsive

Peer group◦ Interaction with other delinquents◦ Street socialization◦ Friends who use drugs and/or are involved in gang activities

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School◦ Poor performance, low aspirations, poor teacher

role models… Family

◦ Unstable home environment, drugs/crime in the family, extreme economic deprivation…

Community◦ Notable social disorganization…drugs, DV, gangs,

etc.

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Protective factors◦ Positive attitudes, values or beliefs /positive self-esteem◦ Conflict resolution skills ◦ Good mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health ◦ Success at school / steady employment / stable housing◦ Good parenting skills ◦ Strong social supports ◦ Community engagement ◦ Problem-solving skills ◦ Positive adult role models, coaches, mentors ◦ Healthy prenatal and early childhood development ◦ Good peer group/friends /social network◦ Availability of services (social, recreational, cultural, etc.)

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a principles-based method for measuring extra-financial value

UK roots around 2006 (NL also active)◦ BENEFITS: Communication; more effective decisions;

focus on the important; investment mentality; clarity of governance

◦ LIMITATIONS: not everything can be monetized; over-reliance; intensive first time; some outcomes (self-esteem) cannot be monetized

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Safe(r) Communities “brings together provincial & municipal governments + law

enforcement agencies + community groups + the business sector + social agencies to ensure Alberta remains a place where we are all free to live, work and thrive.”◦ 9 prov. ministries!◦ $60+ million over 5 years (SCIF)◦ Seed money to the CCJR◦ Community hearings◦ Report and 32 recommendations

Gang reduction, safe communities, youth at risk Shift to prevention and engage communities

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15+ projects Topics range from:

◦ Human trafficking – better service and support ◦ Identity theft –◦ Bullying -◦ Domestic violence – ◦ Youth gangs – ◦ Dating violence –

Current projects:◦ Teen courts – viable alternative? ◦ Homelessness – impact of by-laws ◦ Human trafficking – ◦ PACT – police and mental health◦ Building Bridges◦ Domestic violence

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!total cost of crime per year $47 billion CDN 1993 Bob Horner report on Crime Prevention

◦ 1% of CJS budget per year towards CP over five years◦ 5% of budget after 5 years…reality!

1996 report by NCPC (National CP Council) ◦ The evidence is conclusive that the most effective

way to prevent crime is to: ensure healthier children, stronger families, better schools, and; more cohesive communities. Crime prevention through social development

(CPSD) is a sound investment.

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Evidence-led practice Integration Partnerships

Responsive to local communities Measurable results

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School age children/youth (multiple risk factors):◦ S4 Project – Start Smart Stay Safe – police, schools boards, &

community partners. A strength based model …build ‘resilience’ universal

Aboriginal and Northern communities◦ 3% of pop. 20+% offender population

Drugs, gangs, homelessness, etc. foreigners

‘Newcomers’ – anomie, opportunity, education…numerous risk factors

Priority crime issues: youth gangs, drug-related crimes, homelessness, transnational crime

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Bridging linkages between government, NGOs, CJS agencies – link evidence based research to programs/capacity building

Avoiding ‘displacement’ effect◦ collective

International collaboration… “we’re all dealing with the same thing”◦ Invest in social development/opportunity

Incorporating SROIs into evaluations Avoiding “death by project”… strategies to help

sustainability of the successful programs Thank you!

www.ccjr.ca please visit us

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