NOTE: This resource is held by Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC). The Executive Summary is provided below. To access the full resource, please click here go to the PSEPC Website. 

Executive Summary 

The purpose of this research project was to conduct an evaluation of the Neighbourhood Empowerment Team (NET) Program of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS), in response to a request from the Solicitor General Canada. The NET program is an example of a new policing initiative based on community partnership and social development, where police work closely with community partners to prevent and reduce crime. Knowing the impact of such a program can lead to changes and improvements in the way in which NET is carried out, and can help determine the effectiveness of this approach to dealing with crime. This evaluation can inform other police agencies of the strengths and weaknesses of the program and the feasibility of replicating it.

This project used multiple methods to assess the impact of NET on crime and community wellness. Using multiple evaluative methods led to greater confidence in the findings and provided a more comprehensive understanding of the program. In addition to reviewing existing program information, seven key informant interviews and four focus groups were conducted with the NET team, members of the EPS, community partners, and community residents in November 2003. Crime rates and calls for police service in NET and non-NET matched communities were analyzed from 1995 to 2003.