kriminalpreventiva

Kriminalpreventiva is a field of criminology and public policy focused on reducing crime and the fear of crime by altering circumstances that enable or encourage criminal behavior. The term combines 'kriminal' (crime) and 'preventiva' (preventive) and is used in Swedish and international contexts to describe proactive measures rather than punishment. Crime prevention encompasses activities aimed at reducing opportunities for crime, addressing root causes, and improving social safety.

Criminal prevention is often described through three levels: primary prevention (reducing risk factors before crimes occur), secondary prevention (early detection and intervention after risk signals appear), and tertiary prevention (reducing harm after crime has occurred to prevent recidivism). It is also framed as situational versus social prevention: situational approaches aim to reduce opportunities through environmental design and controls, while social approaches address underlying causes such as poverty, education gaps, and social cohesion.

Situational methods include CPTED principles, improved street lighting, target hardening, CCTV surveillance, access control, and urban planning that promotes natural surveillance. Social prevention includes youth programs, education, employment initiatives, family support services, and community development. Policing strategies like problem-oriented policing and community policing are often part of crime-prevention efforts, as are public health approaches that address risk factors and resilience.

Effectiveness varies by context; well-designed evaluations show reductions in crime in some settings but not in others. Potential drawbacks include displacement (crime moving to other areas), chilling effects on legitimate activity, costs, and concerns about civil liberties and equity. A rigorous approach combines data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and ongoing assessment to adapt interventions.

Ultimately kriminalpreventiva seeks to create safer communities by reducing opportunities for crime and addressing underlying vulnerabilities, balancing proactive design with social investment.