A resource guide for municipalities : community based crime and violence prevention in urban Latin America (English)

Although not a new phenomenon in most of Latin America, crime and violence have increased dramatically in recent decades, and are now recognized as a serious economic and social problem, particularly in the urban areas of the region. Rapid urbanization...  See More + Although not a new phenomenon in most of Latin America, crime and violence have increased dramatically in recent decades, and are now recognized as a serious economic and social problem, particularly in the urban areas of the region. Rapid urbanization, persistent poverty and inequality, political violence, the more organized nature of crime, and the emergence of illegal drug use and drug trafficking are often cited as root causes of this increase. The purpose of this Resource Book is to provide information on how to design violence, and crime reduction programs. It brings together the best information on best practice principles, step-by-step approaches, and examples of international municipal crime, and violence prevention and reduction strategies. The manual reviews the direct and indirect costs of crime and violence: direct costs measure the value of goods and services spent due to the effects of, and/or prevention of crime and violence, through the use of scarce public and private resources on the criminal justice system, incarceration, medical services, housing and social services; indirect costs include lost investment opportunities, foregone earnings of criminals, and victims of crime and violence. Moreover, it examines the social multiplier effects, which measure the impact of crime and violence in such areas as: the erosion of social capital; the intergenerational transmission of violence; the reduction in quality of life; and effects on citizenship, and, confidence in, and functioning of the democratic process, government and its institutions. Other important factors analyzed are the conceptual framework and policy response, risk factors associated with urban crime and violence, as well as individual factors.  See Less -

Document also available in : Portuguese