Why are crime rates going down? A case study in Edmonton.

This paper examines the precipitous drop in crime rates in Edmonton reported over the past two years. Previous analysis shows that the major reasons for changes in crime rates include: reduction in the numbers of the at-risk population: deterioration in the social and economic climate: changes in laws; alterations in access to police; and changes in the proactive nature of policing. The results of analysis of data drawn from official files and community surveys from one city indicate that the drop in crime rates are a function of declines in property crime reporting: administrative decisions taken to alter the access to police resources for the public; and a shift towards community policing with an emphasis on problem solving and crime prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]