Sport and Crime Reduction

A much-needed evaluation of sport-led crime reduction initiatives, weighing up the rationale behind them and the evidence that supports them, including an assessment of their successes and failures to date.

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The use of sports-based activity programmes as a means of tackling crime has been explored in a number of countries worldwide, particularly in relation to the prevention of re-offending in the ten to eighteen age bracket. However, until now there has been no definitive and rigorous analysis of the rationale behind these programmes, and evidence of their successes and failures has been piecemeal, uncritical and without standardization. This book addresses this gap in the literature, bringing together empirical research from programmes in the UK, US and Australia with an explanation and evaluation of the results of these initiatives. Subjects covered include:



assessment of programmes in a range of contexts
the first evidence base of crime reduction sport programmes
international comparisons and case studies
conclusions for best practice
advice for monitoring the effectiveness of programmes
synergies with sport development and promotion of facility use.

Examining a variety of realworld case studies set up with the aim of reducing levels of crime in the community, Sport and Crime Reduction should be read by students and professionals in local government, sports development, youth and community work, criminology, the youth justice system and leisure policy.