Crime Prevention Ottawa as a responsibility centre: An interim analysis

Abstract

There is a growing international interest in the use of crime prevention responsibility centres (Re) as mechanisms for organizing crime prevention initiatives. One model of RC-based crime prevention is that used in England and Wales, where the creation of CDRPs (municipal RCs) was mandated by the Crime and Disorder Act of 1998. Themes gleaned from analyses of this experience form the basis for this thesis. In 2005, Crime Prevention Ottawa (CPO) was created to be an RC in Ottawa. This thesis examines whether and how CPO faced challenges similar to those in England and Wales. It concludes that many challenges met by the English experience are not present in the CPO case, in response to the challenges that are experienced, it recommends that CPO: define 'community', and its political 'role'; sustain project funding; increase project proposal expectations; and discuss what the organization 'does' versus 'should do'.