In a new book The Science and Secrets of Ending Violent Crime, uOttawa Professor Irvin Waller, explains what actions have been scientifically proven to prevent violent crime and how Canada should implement them.
Despite the fact that Canada spends $22 billion on policing, courts and prisons, the country has the highest annual homicide rate per capita of G7 countries, after the USA, and the homicide rates for Indigenous peoples are 6 times higher than for non-Indigenous.
The book, which has been provided to the leaders of political parties and members of key parliamentary committees, makes a compelling case for shifting from over-relying on an overworked criminal justice system to smart investments in prevention, before crime happens. It describes the seven essentials to achieve a successful implementation. These include a plan based on a diagnosis of the problems which implements the effective solutions by mobilizing the sectors most able to solve them and engage the public.
The author, Irvin Waller, is an internationally recognized expert on crime prevention and victims’ rights. He calls for national crime prevention and public health legislation to assist all orders of government to use science to stop violent crime by investing in evidence-based and effective solutions. The solutions proven effective include those targeted to youth and families in difficulty, curricula-enhancing life skills, and proactive policing partnerships.
To save lives and prevent victimization by applying his recommendations would require a fundamental shift in government policy; one that steers away from over-relying on reacting to crimes to instead, investing in smart prevention before a crime takes place. The solution calls for Federal leadership to enact a Public Health and Crime Prevention Act.
WHAT: Book launch: The Science and Secrets of Ending Violent Crime, co-hosted by The Honourable Marilou McPhedran, an independent Senator for Manitoba.
WHEN: Thursday, May 16 at 5 p.m.
WHERE: Room C-128, Senate of Canada (2 Rideau Street
Media inquiries
Karyne Vienneau
Media Relations Officer
Cell: 613-762-2908
[email protected]