Database on evaluation research on crime prevention
The goal of crime preventative practices is working towards decreasing crime and increasing the safety of the citizens. But how do various practices succeed in reaching this goal?
Research Division
The task of the Research Division is to promote the evaluation of crime prevention measures and the compilation of evaluation data and to strengthen the knowledge base for crime prevention on the basis of criminological research data. A special focus lies on strengthening the infrastructure for evaluation research on crime prevention and the status of the research.
Examination of best practices
In the examination of the best crime prevention practices, the Division takes a strong research perspective with a particular emphasis on evaluation research. The best practices are backed up by research-based evidence on reducing or preventing crime or on improving safety in a certain sector. The Research Division seeks to promote impact assessment and this way highlight the methods whose effectiveness has been proven by research. The Division also promotes process evaluations and systematic reviews.
Database on evaluation research
The Research Division supports the dissemination of research data and compilation of research findings by developing a database on Finnish evaluation research on crime prevention together with the Institute of Criminology and Legal Policy at the University of Helsinki. The database helps create an overview of the crime situation and crime prevention in Finland to be utilised on the website crimeprevention.fi.
Focus on research infrastructure
In its work, the Division focuses on developing the infrastructure and other preconditions for crime prevention evaluation research and on initiatives supporting this aim. The Division pays special attention to the expertise and training in the field of evaluation research, funding for crime prevention evaluation research, promotion of evaluation culture and experimental culture, issues concerning publication forums, and promotion of the principle of open data. In addition, to ensure the availability of sufficient and research-based information on the development of the crime rate, the Division pays attention to the national systems for monitoring crime and safety. The Division may also take initiatives on specific research subjects.
Status of evaluation research
The Research Division aims to increase the appreciation of concrete evaluation research and to strengthen its status in societal decision-making. One of the ways to promote this aim is the prize for crime prevention evaluation research, established on the Division’s initiative, that is awarded every four years to a distinguished evaluation study and a thesis representing evaluation research. In its activities, the Division also emphasises the fact that applied evaluation research and criminological basic research do not contradict but rather support each other.
Indicators for total crime rate
The Institute of Criminology and Legal Policy maintains and develops national monitoring systems for total crime rate:
In the National Victimisation Surveys there are various thematic areas associated with the general monitoring of experience of victimisation, including intimate partner violence, citizens’ views on crime prevention and a regional perspective on crime. The main purpose of this indicator system is to measure crime and the fear of crime. The survey is nationally representative and it is directed at 15 to 74 year old people residing permanently in Finland or the Åland Islands.
The Juvenile Delinquency Surveys are conducted to monitor criminal behaviour among the young and the numbers, features and trends in victimisation. The surveys are nationally representative and they are directed at 15 to 16 year olds. They are conducted every four years by using the sampling method.
The Homicide Monitoring System is used to monitor and study the numbers and features of lethal violence.