National crime prevention strategies for Japan: Implications of scientific knowledge and international guidelines

Abstract

This thesis identifies what Japan could do to implement effective crime prevention nationally. It analyzes (1) official reports and announcements from the government and mass media reports in Japan (Chapter 2); (2) scientific analyses of crime prevention programs and policing that have influenced governments and policies in other countries (Chapter 3 and 4); (3) international guidelines (Chapter 5), and (4) a preliminary assessment of the implementation of effective crime prevention in the United Kingdom (Chapter 6). It makes eight recommendations for Japan. The official crime reports in Japan have reported a rapid increase in overall crime rates. The government continues to use situational crime prevention and police. However, the causes of crime can only be tackled by social policy. Scientific evaluation in other countries emphasizes that a multi-sector approach is essential to tackle problems in family, school and community. Review of the effectiveness of policing particularly in the United Kingdom shows that modern policing does not reduce crime while partnership with other agencies and strong police leadership for reform would. Guidelines by the United Nations and the World Health Organization recommend a permanent national responsibility center for crime prevention and a systematic implementation cycle where there are 4 stages; analysis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.