Impacting on crime: An evaluation of a problem solving initiative

Abstract

Traditional policing methods to combat and address crime are increasingly being complemented by more innovative and creative crime prevention strategies. Police are being encouraged to look for alternative ways of deterring crime and solving crime‐related community problems. This evaluation critically examines a policing initiative designed to reduce crime in a densely populated area of Australia's largest city. It showed that if an environment of participation, collaboration and critical analysis can be established, operational police will accept the challenge of addressing community problems from a problem solving perspective. A key success factor in this policing initiative was the high level of management support provided to front line officers.