Through participation and consultation with the Justice Policy Advisory Committee, Crime Reduction and Safe Communities Task Force, policing agencies and community partners, AACPA identified crimes and safety concerns that are top priority for Albertans. ACCPA’s participation in the Crime Reduction and Safe Communities Task Force symposiums, and strategic planning sessions, uncovered a wide range of issues. Concerns were voiced on graffiti and vandalism, domestic violence, theft, and assaults. In many communities, people feel substance abuse of all kinds is at the heart of most crime. Violence occurs because of alcohol and drugs; individuals steal as a result of alcohol and drugs; and the family unit suffers in adversity through substance abuse. A few communities also reported concern with rising incidents of elder abuse, bullying, violence in schools, and prostitution. In a separate session with youth, the Task Force identified the most common issues relating to substance abuse, stealing, bullying, mischief, gambling, homicide, and gangs. The youth expressed concerns about young people getting involved in crime at a younger age, and with increasing rates of violence.Statistics published in the Crime Reduction and Safe Communities Task Force report highlight trends of major crime in Alberta:
- Our province ranks 5th highest in Canada for Serious Violent Crime, with rates higher than the National average over the past 10 years
- Since 1996, Alberta’s Assault rate has been consistently higher than the National average
- In 2004, Alberta’s Spousal Assault crimes ranked highest in Canada
- Property crimes, including Breaking and Entering; Theft; Motor Vehicle Theft; and Fraud are 30% above the National average
- Fraud is of particular concern in Alberta, with rates 42% higher than Canada’s average in 2005
- Alberta’s Youth Property Crime remains 3rd highest of all the provinces, 43% higher than the National average
- Over the past 10 years, Alberta ranks in the top 4 provinces for youth charged with Violent Crimes. The rate sits at 837 charges per 100,000 youth
- Assaults Involving Youth - 11% higher than the National average
- Vehicle Thefts Involving Youth - 27% higher than Canada’s average.
The Art of Crime Prevention is designed to engage youth, aged 15 to 18 years. Students are challenged to become more aware of crime issues in Alberta, through the research and production of a vignette.
This project encourages youth to demonstrate unique and innovative ways of expressing the issues, and offer ideas on crime prevention strategies. Students are encouraged to become more involved in their communities, and to merge this involvement with the modes and medium most familiar to them. The Internet is predominately their domain. It is where youth learn, socialize, shop, and find entertainment. ACCPA believes our youth are an important component to crime prevention, and have valuable thoughts and ideas that should be shared. Extending their message to a larger audience of their peers provides them with a voice.
| ACCPA
The Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association (ACCPA) represents individuals and organizations interested in preventing and reducing crime in Alberta communities.
Founded in 1989 by provincial police services, as the Alberta Community Police Advisory Committee, it provided a forum to discuss mutual crime problems.
The association was reborn as ACCPA in 1990, serving a renewed purpose to link police agencies and the community at large. Over time, the organization has recruited community leaders, businesses, and government members in the realization that crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Today, the Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from all sectors. Our membership also reflects this diversity.
Historically, ACCPA has focused on methods of enhanced security that make committing a crime more difficult. These methods include:
§ Target hardening and design principles,
§ Supporting community watch and patrol programs, and
§ Raising awareness about individual safety
Collectively, these methods are known as Situational Crime Prevention.
More recently, we have expanded to include alternate methods, which are of increasing importance to ACCPA and the growth of our initiatives. Crime Prevention through Social Development (CPSD) addresses the root causes of crime, such as:
- Youth alienation,
- Illiteracy,
- Poverty, and
- Abuse
While Situational Crime Prevention remains valuable, CPSD succeeds in combating the seeds of criminal activity; intervening in early childhood development to prevent future antisocial and criminal behaviour. Incorporating CPSD in a balanced approach to crime prevention has created a diversified membership base, whose experience and expertise will benefit all Albertans, and our communities.
ACCPA INITIATIVES:
- Provide public education and awareness of community-based crime prevention strategies
- Demonstrate that all Albertans should play a role in Crime Prevention, Crime Reduction, and Restorative Justice.
- Promote partnerships and information sharing throughout Alberta.
- Act as a clearinghouse for information regarding community wellness and crime prevention. The Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association (ACCPA) represents individuals and organizations interested in preventing and reducing crime in Alberta communities.
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