Table of Contents
Appendix Crime Analysis Framework
Crime prevention is ‘any initiative or policy which reduces or eliminates the aggregate level of victimization or the risk of individual criminal participation. It includes government and community based programs to reduce the incidents of risk factors correlated with criminal participation and the rate of victimization, as well as efforts to change perceptions’.
Since 2003, a number of NGO agencies have undertaken research and conducted community consultations culminating with various pilot programmes, training courses and other means of support. Many of these focus around the Bangladesh Police. In respect to crime, perceptions of safety and community issues, This strategy draws upon the results of this research which illustrates a very clear picture of the issues within Bangladesh.
It also outlines the strategic need to expand the concept of crime prevention to include other aspects of community safety. This is important in the context of a sustainable strategy to reach a sustainable solution. Simply put, responsibility rests with numerous stakeholders, including Government, Non Government Organisations (NGO’s) and most importantly, the community itself.
At the present time in Bangladesh, MOHA and Bangladesh Police are taking the lead role in establishing a crime prevention and community safety programme through its efforts to implement the Community Policing Strategy (CPS) throughout the country. In time, other government ministries and NGO’s should also incorporate the principles and philosophies of crime prevention and community safety into their respective policies. For example, the Ministry of Education (MOE) can identify where the principles of crime prevention can apply to its functions and incorporate some aspects to enhance the safety and well being of teachers and students within the school environment.
In Bangladesh, there are four main motivators, or drivers, which underpin the desire to enhance the safety and well being of the people. They evolve from the highest levels of government and extend down to local community groups through the extensive Community Policing networks. These are:
· The Constitution of the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh · The Universal Charter of Human Rights · The Ministry of Home Affairs Vision and Mission Statements; and
· The Bangladesh Police Vision and Mission Statements.
Community safety is a broad concept which can focus on the individual (physical and emotional well-being), as well as the broader community (economic, environmental and social well-being). The literature on the subject refers to community safety as an aspect of ‘quality of life’ that incorporates issues such as crime prevention/reduction, road safety, public health, emergency management and the environment.
There are two general approaches to preventing crime. The first aims to prevent crime by making it more difficult, risky and less rewarding to commit. It focuses on the crime-prone situation rather than the offender. Strategies include physical security, access control, design improvements, surveillance and police patrols. It is commonly referred to as "situational crime prevention". The second seeks to prevent criminal behaviour by influencing the attitudes and behaviour of those most likely to offend. It aims to reduce the risk factors associated with offending such as poor parenting, school failure and restricted opportunities. It involves measures such as parenting programmes, school enrichment and youth prevention projects, mentoring and helping young people into training and work. This is commonly referred to as "social or developmental crime prevention"
The following issues are considered to be necessary components of the National Crime Prevention Strategy. Each has philosophical reasons about why they are considered feasible crime prevention and community safety strategies. They also have implications regarding the on going or extended impact caused through cause and effect. There are numerous initiatives and strategies, long term and short term, which can be used to prevent crime at the local level. An understanding of these is essential for effective implementation;
- Identify Existing Programs and Projects
- Compendium of Crime Prevention and Community Safety Projects
- Reporting and Recording Crime
- Identify Cause and Effect
- Early Intervention Programs
- Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
- Neighbourhood Watch Schemes
- Reducing the Fear of Crime
- Poverty Reduction Strategies
- Equitable Treatment of Women Victims of Crime
- Role Models/Mentoring
- Technology and Crime Prevention
- Drug Awareness and Enforcement Programs
- Research & Partnerships with Academic Institutions
- Targeting Repeat Victimisation
- Firearms Amnesty
- Targeted Policing
- Community Policing Officers
The complexity of crime prevention means each level of government and community has a different role to play. Some are strategically focused while others more action orientated. It would be impossible to outline all of these in this proposal. Therefore, this paper outlines some of the general and specific strategies and framework believed appropriate to facilitate the evolution of the structure required to introduce crime prevention and community safety philosophies, strategies and finally action into current context of the social development of Bangladesh.
For the effective implementation and the coordination of the ongoing crime prevention programs in BD, this strategy proposes the establishment of:
- A National Crime Prevention Advisory Committee (NCPAC) at Government level
- A National Crime Prevention Coordination Committee (NCPCC) within the Bangladesh Police
- And Local level crime prevention committees in tandem with the proposed Community Policing Units up to the PS level.
Knowing how, where and when to intervene requires both an understanding of the nature of the crime problem and the appreciation of what is available in terms of interventions and crime prevention strategies for tackling them. There needs to be clear understanding of which crime occurs at which locations, what the crime generators are likely to be in terms of opportunities, how offences are committed and when they take place. Data are also needed on, which interventions are appropriate to each situation, what are the tactical, organizational and environmental conditions for their successful implementation and what are the likely economic and opportunity costs for their deployment.
For this purpose this strategy proposes a crime analysis framework based upon the following two categories;
Crime Centred Analysis (CCA)
Crime Environment Analysis (CEA)
This framework will contribute to identify the appropriate and specific crime prevention strategies, initiating Proactive policing, plan reactive actions to combat prevailing crimes and planning available resources.
This proposal has been developed in direct response to the Terms of Reference (TOR) provided by the United Nations Development Programme - Police Reform Programme (UNDP PRP). There was extensive consultation with government, non government, and community and business sector groups. A comprehensive literature review was also undertaken using current and historical social development material relevant to Bangladesh. Senior police officers were consulted for their valuable suggestions and feedback. It is developed on the premise that the Government will be committed to a holistic approach towards crime prevention and community safety. Since 2003, a number of NGO agencies have undertaken research and conducted community consultations culminating with various pilot programmes, training courses and other means of support. Many of these focus around the Bangladesh Police. In respect to crime, perceptions of safety and community issues, this strategy draws upon the results of this research which illustrates a very clear picture of the issues within Bangladesh.
Crime prevention is any initiative or policy which reduces or eliminates the aggregate level of victimization or the risk of individual criminal participation. It includes government and community based programs to reduce the incidents of risk factors correlated with criminal participation and the rate of victimization, as well as efforts to change perceptions’.[3]
A question often asked in respect to crime prevention and community safety is “who is responsible for programme development, coordination and implementation”. This paper addresses that question in the context of The Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh and provides a framework which will set the foundation for longer term change throughout the country. It also outlines the strategic need to expand the concept of crime prevention to include other aspects of community safety. This is important in the context of a sustainable strategy to reach a sustainable solution. Simply put, responsibility rests with numerous stakeholders, including Government, Non Government Organisations (NGO’s) and most importantly, the community itself.
4. Bangladesh in Profile
The Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh has an estimated 156, 050, 883 (July 2009) inhabitants, rating the 7th most populous country on earth. The density of the country is 1045 square kilometres; rating 11th in the world. The nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rating is $72.4 billion (USD) which equates to $455 per capita, rating an astonishing 157th in the world. As such, poverty is a serious problem which relates directly to the overall crime situation. Re-active policing in Bangladesh is made even more difficult through the high police/citizen ratio; therefore the need to invest in prevention strategies appears more obvious. There is an over reliance and unrealistic expectation that the Bangladesh Police can be solely responsible for curbing the crime rate; however, it can play a crucial leadership and practitioner role in prevention.
| Sl # | Country | Police-People Ratio |
| 1 | Bangladesh | 1: 1138 |
| 2 | India | 1: 728 |
| 3 | Philippines | 1: 665 |
| 4 | Pakistan | 1: 625 |
| 5 | Japan | 1: 563 |
| 6 | New Zealand | 1: 416 |
| 7 | Singapore | 1: 295 |
| 8 | Malaysia | 1: 249 |
| 9 | Thailand | 1. 228 |
| 10 | Hong Kong | 1: 220 |
Table One – Police Populations Ratio – 2008
There are a number of recent crime prevention and community safety surveys undertaken by Bangladesh Police, NGO’s and Donor organisations.
One survey undertaken by Safer World on behalf of the Department for International Development (Bangladesh - DFID) outlined statistics which were also identified in other surveys, and can therefore be utilized as being a fair representative viewpoint of the community attitudes of the people of Bangladesh. These statistics have been corroborated by a series of interviews and research undertaken by the UNDP Police Reform Programme. The Safer World research into human security, community safety and armed violence was undertaken throughout Bangladesh between September and December 2007.
When asked specifically about the most frequent crimes and injustices in Bangladesh, more than three-quarters (77 percent) thought that personal property crimes (for example, theft, burglary, robbery, mugging) were the most common problems. This perception was even greater among urban respondents (89 percent). The second highest cause of concern was dowry-related crime (56 percent). Other gender-related forms of insecurity included sexual violence and harassment (21 percent) and domestic violence (11 percent).
Disputes over properties were the third most frequently-cited form of crime/injustice (35 percent); a perception which was further supported by fears over land-grabbing and landlessness (15 percent) and slum evictions (4 percent). Drug abuse was the fourth most popular response (29 percent).
There is also a serious problem with many crimes going un-reported which impacts upon the victims, and also the data available to properly assess the crime situation. Just under two-fifths (38 percent) of households have experienced crime or injustice in the past two years. Theft was the most common crime identified; respondents reported 346 instances of theft over the survey period. This means that on average 8.65 percent of households experience a theft each year. It is notable that this disaggregation of respondent experiences does not correspond with even the highest rate of recorded theft in 2007. Police statistics recorded only 12,015 thefts for a country of at least 20 million households – a rate of one theft per 0.06 percent of households each year. This suggests that the vast majority of crimes go unreported. Other crimes identified included damage to property, threat of physical violence, loss of property to land-grabbers, muggings, and physical violence by husbands against wives.
In all, 234 acts of violence were reported across the 2,000 surveyed households for the two year period prior to the conducting of field research. Of these just 22 incidents involved firearms; misuse of sticks and knives is more common. While this could indicate that there are low levels of weapons proliferation within society, there is substantive evidence to indicate that firearms and explosives are a pervasive threat to security. For example, several thousand weapons have been seized by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) since its establishment, implying that criminals have easy access to illegal weapons. Moreover, frequent seizures of explosives are also made. Between October 2006 and January 2007 nearly 200 people were injured by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The availability of firearms and explosives is likely due to Bangladesh’s geographical location, making it easy to use as an international trafficking route.
At the present time in Bangladesh, MOHA and Bangladesh Police are taking the lead role in establishing a crime prevention and community safety programme through its efforts to implement the Community Policing Strategy (CPS) throughout the country. In time, other government ministries and NGO’s should also incorporate the principles and philosophies of crime prevention and community safety into their respective policies. For example, the Ministry of Education (MOE) can identify where the principles of crime prevention can apply to its functions and incorporate some aspects to enhance the safety and well being of teachers and students within the school environment.
High levels of crime pose a serious threat to our emergent democracy. Violent crime often leads to a tragic loss of life and injury, and the loss of possessions and livelihood due to crime is incalculable. Crime results in the deprivation of the rights and dignity of citizens, and poses a threat to peaceful resolution of differences and rightful participation of all in the democratic process.
Crime casts fear into the hearts from all walks of life and prevents them from taking their rightful place in the development and growth of our country. It inhibits the citizens from communicating with one another freely, from engaging in economic activity and prevents entrepreneurs and investors from taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the country. The rights and freedoms which the constitution entrenches are threatened every time a citizen becomes a victim of crime.
For these reasons, the Government regards the prevention of crime as a national priority. This applies not only to the ministries, and the departments concerned with security and justice, but also to all other national departments which are able to make a contribution to a reduction in crime levels. Local governments will work together with the practitioners to implement the NCPS.
Some of the causes of crime are deep-rooted and related to the history and socioeconomic realities of the society. For this reason, a comprehensive strategy must go beyond providing only effective policing. It must also provide for mobilization and participation of civil society in assisting to address crime.
To effectively reduce crime, it is necessary to transform and reorganize government and facilitate real community participation. We need to weave a new social fabric, robust enough to withstand the stresses of rapid change in a new-born society. To expect this to happen too quickly is to sabotage proper planning and solid construction of new criminal justice machinery.
Most fundamentally this strategy requires that government moves beyond a mode of crisis management and reaction. Government must ensure that effective planning and sustainable success in reducing crime will reach well into the next century.
In Bangladesh, there are four main motivators, or drivers, which underpin the desire to enhance the safety and well being of the people. They evolve from the highest levels of government and extend down to local community groups through the extensive Community Policing networks. These are:
· The Constitution of the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh · The Universal Charter of Human Rights · The Ministry of Home Affairs Vision and Mission Statements; and
· The Bangladesh Police Vision and Mission Statements.
These all provide legitimate authority to those responsible within the government and community for ensuring a safe and free society. The following excerpts from these doctrines clearly justify the need to develop a National Crime Prevention Strategy in Bangladesh.
Adding further accountable responsibilities, the Universal Charter for Human Rights outlines that responsible bodies must adhere to the following commitments;
- ‘recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world
- it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human right should be protected by the rule of law
- the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom
- member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms
- a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge.’
In part, the Constitution of the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh outlines the following:
‘We, the people of Bangladesh, having proclaimed our Independence on the 26th day of March, 1971 and through [a historic war for national independence], established the independent, sovereign People's Republic of Bangladesh, pledge that it shall be a fundamental aim of the State to realise through the democratic process to socialist society, free from exploitation - a society in which the rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedom, equality and justice, political, economic and social, will be secured for all citizens’.
‘Create a safe habitable human environment by ensuring peace and security throughout the country’.
The Mission Statement reads:
‘Provide security to life and property, maintain law and order, conduct rescue operations, investigate criminal cases, fight criminals, crimes and militancy, ensure humane treatment to prisoners, protect border and coastal belt, check smuggling, formulate immigration and emigration related policies and combat trafficking in humans and drugs’.
6.4 Bangladesh Police - Vision and Mission Statements
Bangladesh Police are one of the few official organisations which has committed to providing a safe and secure society and acknowledges that it has a primary responsibility in regards to both detecting and preventing crime. It is the organisation that has the current capacity to coordinate and deliver effective crime prevention strategies across the country and has shown a high level of commitment over recent years, to this cause. Bangladesh Police has reflected these within the organisational vision and mission statements outlined in the 2008-2010 Bangladesh Police Strategic Plan.
Further to this, the Police Act of 1861 and Metropolitan Police Ordinance outline the basic duties of a police officer:
- to obey and execute all orders and warrants lawfully issued to him by any competent authority
- to collect and communicate intelligence affecting the public peace
- to prevent the commission of offences and public nuisances
- to detect and bring offenders to justice; and
- to apprehend all persons who he is legally authorized to apprehend and for whose apprehension ground exists.
7. Crime Prevention and Community Safety
The term ‘community safety’ features prominently throughout this document. It is a frequently used term; however, it is difficult to define in precise terms because it has different meanings for different people and contexts.
Community safety is a broad concept which can focus on the individual (physical and emotional well-being), as well as the broader community (economic, environmental and social well-being). The literature on the subject refers to community safety as an aspect of ‘quality of life’ that incorporates issues such as crime prevention/reduction, road safety, public health, emergency management and the environment.
Crime prevention and community safety has not really been defined. Globally, various organisations implement crime prevention and community safety programs based on their perceptions and interpretations. The risk is that without sufficient knowledge of the underlying principles and philosophies, crime prevention is often linked with policing and therefore police agencies are tasked exclusively with the role. This has lead to restrictive programs which fall within the responsibility of the policing organisation, eliminating the scope to broaden its application through other stakeholders. Nowadays, a broader approach is required and at the strategic level, all government and non government agencies can contribute.
The lack of formal definitions however is not considered a problem as definitions tend to restrict initiative and encourages the development of a silo based mentally. By this it is meant that practitioners only work within the scope of the definition (and their authority) and lose the opportunity for broader initiatives. Crime prevention and community safety can be as big, or as small as one wishes it to be. This enables a better chance for effective implementation at all levels of government and community. It allows for the development of more flexible programs which can be easily adapted to suit everybody’s needs.
Globally, the most effective programs are the ones which are owned, developed and implemented at the grass roots level. They also take into account issues broader than just crime prevention as safety is an important component of the strategy to reduce the fear of crime. People need to feel safe within their communities; therefore, strategies should take into account broader community needs and expectations.
Traditionally, organisations around the world have turned to the police and the criminal justice systems to deal with these problems. However, most of the work of these agencies generally deal with are after the event (re-active). A truly successful crime prevention strategy requires intervention before the event (pro-active). This is where the most recognisable dilemma emerges. Are the police the best body to provide the leadership role and coordination of crime prevention and community safety programs? The answer is simple. At the lower practitioner level, there is no other organisation suitably resourced to provide the infrastructure at grass roots level. The police are mobilised throughout the country and have the capacity to deliver programs to schools, training to community groups etc. At the practitioner level, policing organisations are still playing a major role if the delivery of crime prevention and community safety activities. So long as other stakeholder holders are involved, this can be the appropriate model, as police have the resources to expand their responsibilities from detection to prevention as well. They have the capacity to provide services down to village level, whereas other agencies do not have the diversity of such resources.
Prior to 2006, there was sufficient evidence to suggest that the police, in general terms, were not well liked. This was primarily due to their past militant roles which required them to use a heavy hand. Furthermore, a large proportion of the community did not trust their police. However, recent surveys confirm that this attitude is changing and that the police have been seen as willing to change, and are gaining support and respect from their communities.
The challenge now is for Government and Bangladesh Police hierarchies to support those police and provide the necessary opportunities to continue the cultural shift in the way to perform their functions. As such, if these gains in positive perceptions continue to improve, the scope to use police in localised crime prevention and community safety programs is encouraging and should be harnessed.
7.1 Crime Prevention; Elements and Approach
According to experts on crime prevention, for a crime to occur, three elements have to be present: ability, motivation; and opportunity. Eliminate any one of these, and the crime will not occur. There are two general approaches to preventing crime. The first aims to prevent crime by making it more difficult, risky and less rewarding to commit. It focuses on the crime-prone situation rather than the offender. Strategies include physical security, access control, design improvements, surveillance and police patrols. It is commonly referred to as "situational crime prevention". The second seeks to prevent criminal behaviour by influencing the attitudes and behaviour of those most likely to offend. It aims to reduce the risk factors associated with offending such as poor parenting, school failure and restricted opportunities. It involves measures such as parenting programmes, school enrichment and youth prevention projects, mentoring and helping young people into training and work. This is commonly referred to as "social or developmental crime prevention".
The following issues are considered to be necessary components of the National Crime Prevention Strategy. Each has philosophical reasons about why they are considered feasible crime prevention and community safety strategies. They also have implications regarding the on going or extended impact caused through cause and effect. There are numerous initiatives and strategies, long term and short term, which can be used to prevent crime at the local level. An understanding of these is essential for effective implementation.
The Justice system has a large strategic role to play in crime prevention and community safety. Crime prevention leads to lower numbers in prisons; however, history indicates that prisoner numbers will continue to grow with the emergence of new crimes and population increases. Some of the methods for consideration should include probation systems, community work programs, and rehabilitation programs for prisoners, official warnings for first offenders, diversion programs for young people and visits to prison programs by young people considered to be at risk.
- Identify Existing Programs and Projects
Bangladesh has not been slow to respond to the implementation of crime prevention and community safety programs. At both strategic and practitioner levels, there are various projects underway. The NCPCC should endeavour to identify what programs exist in Bangladesh and to ensure a coordination role is adopted.
- Compendium of Crime Prevention and Community Safety Projects
After the existing programs have been identified, the NCPCC should ensure the development of a compendium of crime prevention and community safety projects.
- Reporting and Recording Crime
Statistical information at all levels is essential for practitioners to develop solutions to problems. Programs and systems need to be introduced to encourage people to report crime and the data should be used widely. Government commitment to this task is vital, as in the first instance; there will appear to be a sharp increase in the crime rate. The reason is that the victims feel more confident to report the crime to police.
Practitioners also need to understand cause and effect. For example, a strategy to increase arrest and suppression rates will lead to additional work and resources for policing. A subsequent increase of prisoners in prisons leads to similar resourcing problems. Further burdens are in turn placed on the judicial system leading to a back log of cases and the subsequent need for more courts to manage them.
- Early Intervention Programs
Research shows that focusing on prevention and early intervention is more effective in the long-term than responses that may resolve only immediate crises. Early intervention involves intervening at critical points in a young person’s development and attempting to ensure that they are given the maximum opportunity to lead productive and law abiding lives. The Government of Bangladesh sees young people as the future of the country and should demonstrate its commitment to early intervention by supporting a large number of early intervention initiatives. These programs should be introduced through the education system and include drug awareness, protection against sexual assaults and the development of sport and recreation programs. In some countries, police officers are attached to schools to ensure these issues are taught to young people. This is a viable option in Bangladesh. There is also a role within the Justice system regarding early intervention.
- Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
CPTED is considered an excellent strategic tool to build crime out of communities. The concepts of CPTED can be used at all levels and requires partnerships between police, government and communities. It can have an impact on both existing infrastructure and proposed developments.
- Neighbourhood Watch Schemes
Natural surveillance is considered an excellent crime prevention strategy and should be encouraged. Neighbourhood Watch Schemes generally attract corporate sponsorships to fund the coordination of the program.
- Reducing the Fear of Crime
Many people report that they are concerned or fearful of crime. At public events, or in public spaces such as transport, shopping areas and parks, people can feel unsafe and apprehensive. Crime and fear of crime are major concerns for many communities and can significantly reduce the quality of people's lives. The fear of crime is particularly evident in the more vulnerable groups, such as young people, older people and women. Specific strategies to reduce the fear of crime need to be undertaken
- Poverty Reduction Strategies
Various initiatives are currently underway in Bangladesh regarding poverty reduction strategies. There is a direct link between poverty and rates of crime.
- Equitable Treatment of Women Victims of Crime
The strategy must take into account specific issues regarding women. There is evidence to support the fact that domestic violence and sexual assaults are prevalent crimes in Bangladesh. Women are fearful of making reports to police and these issues need to be addressed.
Sporting, television and other high profile personalities are considered to be excellent role models for young people. Individuals should be identified and approached to assist in the marketing of crime prevention programs.
- Technology and Crime Prevention
Bangladesh is continuing its social and technological development. Computers, internet, television and radio are considered excellent mediums to promote crime prevention programmes.
- Drug Awareness and Enforcement Programs
The United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention strategies regarding Drug Abuse and Awareness and other programmes provide excellent opportunities to link into drug issues at the strategic level. At local level, properly trained Community Policing Officers can adopt these strategies for implementation throughout schools in the area.
- Research & Partnerships with Academic Institutions
The NCPCC should have a sound research capacity to determine best practice in contemporary crime prevention and community safety, including statistics, strategies and information regarding best practice. A partnership with the appropriate universities would be extremely beneficial.
- Targeting Repeat Victimisation
The International Crime Victims Survey outlines that many victims of crime become a victim more than once. This is a common thing around the world, and as such, groups which are more likely to become victims should be identified and targeted by the responsible agencies. Victim support programs should be considered also.
There is an abundance of illicit weapons within the community. These are a hazard in regards to both internal crime prevention and also national security.
By targeting recidivist offenders, or focusing on areas where particular crimes patterns are emerging, policing authorities can quickly arrest offenders and thereby reinforcing confidence in policing and reduce perceptions of fear within the community. This approach to policing requires certain skills which need to be evidence based. Analysis of criminal intelligence provides the means to identify what the real problems are in the community.
- Community Policing Officers
Policy and strategy issues regarding crime prevention and community safety require implementation at some stage. There needs to be practitioners on the ground to implement and coordinate projects. Although there is a need for a true partnership approach, the police are often in the best logistical position to coordinate crime prevention. As such, there is a recommendation for the establishment of Community Policing Officers in each of the police Stations.
Crime prevention and community safety has underlying philosophies, principles and skills just like any other social science or discipline. These are quite broad and crime prevention practitioners within Bangladesh will need to be trained in these skills. There are fundamental principles which under-pin successful crime prevention and community safety strategies and adherence to these will enable the development of successful strategies and initiatives. These principles include (but are not restricted to) the following:
- Government agencies at all levels undertake a leadership role
- The imperative is a whole of Government approach
- Understanding cause and effect.
- Understanding and reducing fear of crime
- Coordination between agencies
- Research and evidence based programming
- The use of local level crime statistics in planning and implementation of programs
- Encourage innovation
- Resourcing within jurisdictions for government agencies
- Resourcing for community based initiatives
- Partnerships, sponsorships and donor support
- Alliance with the media
- Effective marketing and communication strategies
- Evaluation of programmes
- Keeping the community and stakeholders informed
- Recognizing the role of community policing
This strategy concentrates on National Programmes and on developing a conceptual framework for crime prevention at all levels. Although committed to the programmes contained herein, the government sees this document as representing a working strategy, which should be refined, changed and improved on the basis of feedback and experience. In particular, divisional consultations will be held to develop civil society and local government responses to this strategy.
The National Crime Prevention Strategy has the following objectives:
- The establishment of a comprehensive policy framework which will enable government to address crime in a coordinated and focused manner which draws on the resources of all government agencies, as well as civil society.
- The promotion of a shared understanding and common vision of how we, as a nation, are going to tackle crime. This vision should also inform and stimulate initiatives at divisional and local level.
- The development of a set of national programmes which serve to kick start and focus the efforts of various government departments in delivering quality service aimed at solving the problems leading to high crime levels.
- The maximisation of civil society's participation in mobilising and sustaining crime prevention initiatives.
- Creation of a dedicated and integrated crime prevention capacity which can conduct ongoing research and evaluation of departmental and public campaigns as well as facilitating effective crime prevention programmes at divisional and local level.
The complexity of crime prevention means each level of government and community has a different role to play. Some are strategically focused while others more action orientated. It would be impossible to outline all of these in this proposal. This paper outlines overall, general and specific strategies and framework believed appropriate to facilitate the evolution of the structure required to introduce crime prevention and community safety philosophies, strategies and finally action into current context of the social development of Bangladesh.
Overall Strategy;
· family support and development can assist parents in dealing with emerging issues, especially the drug problem etc,
· people can learn skills to protect their property from theft, or themselves from violence,
· programs aimed at awareness can have a significant impact on the overall rate of crime,
· incidents of domestic violence go unreported
· sport and recreation opportunities can divert young people away from crime patterns,
· town planners can build crime out of areas through innovative infrastructure design,
· the justice system can develop programs to reduce the number of people in prisons, and return breadwinners to families,
· Legislative and sentencing reform can have a strategic impact on the crime rate.
Security and Safety Audits
Objective - identify and prioritise areas and issues of concern
Target Hardening
Objective – Make the commission of the offence more difficult to commit
Natural/Community Surveillance
Objective – Utilise local residents in natural surveillance – Neighbourhood Watch for example
Police in Schools Programs
Objective – To utilise the knowledge, skills and accessibility of police to provide training and information to young people through the school system
Community Surveys
Objective – Identify areas of concern to the community
Design of Public Space
Objective – Create safe and stimulating places for people to visit
Improve Lighting and Visibility
Objective – Identify un-safe areas and improve lighting and natural surveillance
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Objective – Build crime prevention into infrastructure, design out crime opportunities
Recreation Facilities
Objective – Develop a range of safe and stimulating recreation ( parks, play grounds etc in each Mohalla) options, especially for young people
Police Youth Liaison
Objective – Improve understanding and communication between young people and police
Employment Programs
Objective -Generate meaningful work for young people
Road, Rail and River Safety Programs
Objective – NCPAC to seek representation from Departments within the Ministry of Communications, including Roads and Highways Department, Bangladesh Railway, Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation and Bangladesh Road Transport Authority. Identify risk areas and develop strategies to eliminate or reduce overall risk.
Suicide Prevention Programs
Objective – With other agencies, identify affected demographic and engage in collaborative support programs.
School Based Projects and Services
Objective -Employ school facilities to reduce anti social behaviour
After School Clubs
Objective – Provide constructive activities for young people
Strengthen Families
Objective – Assist parents and children to effectively communicate with each other, and assist parents to support and guide their children
Religion and Faith
Objective – Enhance social behaviour and development
Conflict Resolution Training
Objective –Provide people with skills to resolve conflict successfully
Access control
Objective – Limit or screen people who can enter an area or site
Analyse role of alcohol and drugs in violent incidents
Objective – Determine the need for action on alcohol and other drug issues
Anti Violence Training
Objective – Provide members of the community with skills to prevent violent incidents
Personal Safety Strategies
Objective – Equip members of the community with strategies for avoiding potentially violent situations
Self Defence Skills
Objective – Equip people with skills to defend themselves in violent situations
Mediation Services
Objective – Provide local mechanisms for resolving disputes
Peer Education Programs
Objective – Support and encourage young people not to engage in violence
Role Models
Objective – Identifying community or high profile role models and using their position to encourage positive social behaviour
Anti Bullying Strategies in Schools
Objective – Discourage bullying behaviours
Local, Provincial and National Media Campaigns
Objective – Strengthen community knowledge and attitudes
Increase or introduce transport options
Objective – Reduce the incentive/motivation for motor vehicle theft
Motor Vehicle Related Activities
Objective – Provide alternatives for young people who wish to own or work with vehicles
Motor Vehicle Theft Surveillance Programs
Objective – Increase risk of detection
This section outlines some strategies which can be used to address stealing from shops, house burglary, livestock theft and other forms of theft.
Increase Surveillance Opportunities
Objective – Increase of risk of detection
Publicise Increased Surveillance Opportunities
Objective – Increase perceived likelihood of detection
Property Marking/Identification
Objective – Reduce the rewards for theft
Restrict Potential Resale Sites
Objective – Reduce the rewards for theft
Research and Address Underlying Motivations for Theft
Objective – Reduce the incentive for theft
School Education, Policies and Programs
Objective – Provide an educational environment which encourages young people to treat drugs responsibly
Drug and Alcohol Awareness Campaigns
Objective – Develop and environment which encourages people to make healthy choices about drug abuse
Parent and Community Awareness
Objective – Enable parents and community to identify signs of drug use and action and remedies to reduce/prevent on going abuse
This framework only outlines the means by which the correct processes need to be installed within the Bangladesh social development ethos. It provides for the mechanisms necessary to enable the strategic and systematic changes to take place over the next decade. There are four tiers of legitimacy for a collaborative approach to the development and implementation of a whole of government, sustainable, crime prevention strategy. Those are:
Accountability - The Government of Bangladesh is accountable to the citizens through various doctrines, including the Charter of Human Rights and the Constitution. The ultimate accountability for providing a safer and prosperous country unequivocally rests with Government.
Responsibility - The various Ministries’ within Government have the delegated powers, or responsibilities, to achieve Governments objectives. MOHA has the delegated responsibility, through its various departmental portfolios, to develop many of the social policies required for a crime prevention strategy. MOHA is well placed to provide the overall policy coordination role of a National strategy. The Ministry also has access to the necessary financial resources and the ability to action legislative change, if necessary.
Capability (Bangladesh Police, NGO’s and Donors)-This crime prevention strategy requires dedicated leadership and a large number of practitioners to be responsible for coordination at the ground level. These practitioners will need to be skilled in contemporary crime prevention practices and have the capability to work closely with the community to ensure implementation. Bangladesh is densely populated and Bangladesh Police are the only agency (government or otherwise) equipped to be able to extend its influence into all aspects of the community and deliver a tangible service, rather than a rhetorical one. Police services around the world must have effective relationships with those they serve and in general terms, the police can rely of the cooperation of the law abiding members of society to help them overcome the elements of those who break the laws. In Bangladesh during these times of reform and development, there is also a perfect opportunity for Bangladesh Police to align itself with experts from NGO’s and aid donors, such as the United Nations (UN) who can provide financial and expert advice and support.
Capacity – The Community Crime prevention strategies require leadership at the coordination and practitioner levels, but most of the success stories emerge from instances where the community has been empowered to manage the safety of their own comminutes. This does not mean that vigilante type police services are used, on the contrary. Communities have the capacity to understand the local problems at local level. They can use existing frameworks and resources to address their problems and should work closely with police practitioners to learn the skills of crime prevention and community safety. In a country of over 150 million people, there is no other alternative. Through effective partnerships with locally based Community Policing Officers (CPO’s), the community can be provided with the knowledge about how best they can address the underlying social issues often associated with crime.
Although this framework is not a complex one, there are various functions to be undertaken at all levels. As previously outlined, this framework proposes the development of a two tiered strategy. The Policy Function at Government Level and the Implementation Function at District Level.
The Government of Bangladesh recognises that many citizens are concerned about crime and its impact on their lives. MOHA has adopted a strong strategic leadership role in working to alleviate crime and violence. Ownership of problems and therefore responsibility for solutions rests with the various government and non government stakeholders throughout the country.
In recognising that a truly holistic approach requires support from the highest level of Government, it is necessary for all Ministries to understand how their portfolios can contribute towards making Bangladesh a safer place for everybody. MOHA should identify and agree upon a set of principles which under-pin the whole of Government approach to crime prevention and community safety. Ministers would then be obliged to administer these principles through their respective social development policies and business. The National Crime Prevention and Community Safety Strategy shall identify and promote innovative ways of reducing and preventing crime and the fear of crime. The programme includes research and practical initiatives including, national pilot projects, local prevention activities, communication and training initiatives.
MOHA is the ultimate authority responsible for ensuring that crime prevention and community safety is an integral part of the social development agenda in Bangladesh. The Ministry shall pledge and steer a holistic approach which encompasses cross jurisdictional, non government and community partnerships by;
i. endorsing national holistic approach to crime prevention and community safety
ii. supporting strategic thinking and policy development on crime prevention by leaders of the community
iii. promoting strategic research in crime prevention
iv. form strategic alliances with academic research institutions (for example - The Department of Criminology and Police Science within the Moulana Bhashani University)
v. encouraging innovation and evidence based programme implementation in crime prevention
vi. promoting collaboration within and across governments in partnership with the non-government and private sectors
vii. promoting and integrating crime prevention principles and practice into the core business of other agencies
viii. endorsing reporting and recording of the incidence of crime, and
ix. Establishing and administering a set of whole of government “Agreed Principles for Cooperation” (Appendix six).
x. establishing the National Crime Prevention Advisory Committee at Government level (NCPAC) and the National Crime Prevention Coordination Committee (NCPCC) within the Bangladesh Police
(The establishment of the NCPAC is a recommendation of the Community Policing Strategy proposed by the UNDP PRP.)
Recognising the need of interagency coordination the strategy proposes a National Advisory Committee which will comprise of representatives from a broad range of stakeholders. This is the ultimate authority responsible for ensuring that crime prevention and community policing is an integral part of the social development agenda in Bangladesh. This provides the opportunity for the government and police to work in partnership with the non government sector, and for mechanisms to allow the development of policy to facilitate the necessary change.
(The establishment of the NCPAC is a recommendation of the Community Policing Strategy proposed by the UNDP PRP.)
National Crime Prevention Coordination Committee (NCPCC) in Police Headquarters will act as a central research, policy and strategic formulation body for Bangladesh Police and to support local police and civil society efforts in prevention of crime and implementation of community policing. The Coordination Committee is the supreme authority and will ensure interagency coordination and government commitment for the holistic implementation of Community policing program in Bangladesh, whereas this committee will have the administrative capacity to undertake research, formulate the programs, training and the monitoring and evaluation of the ongoing initiatives.
- IG, Convener
- All Additional IGs
- DG RAB, member
- Commissioner DMP, member
- DIG training, member
- DIG Finance, member
- DIG Crime, member
- Range DIGs, members
- Metro Commissioners
- AIG P&R, member
- AIG Media, member
- Representatives from NGO
- Reps from donors community
- Reps from business community
- AIG Crime-1, member secretary
- One expert/ Professional in Social science.
The UNDP Police Reform Programme (Bangladesh) has previously submitted the Community Policing Strategy. This has been endorsed by senior police command (table two) and has largely been implemented across the country. This strategy links in well with that framework.
(Table two)
Crime Prevention Centre (CPC) at the Police Headquarters (AIG crime prevention as focal point and DIG crime PHQ as overall supervisor) will act as a central research, policy and strategic formulation unit for Bangladesh Police and to support local Police and civil society efforts in prevention of crime and implementation of community policing. This Centre will serve as a Secretariat for the National Coordination Committee of the Police headquarters.
Once this strategy is approved, the Crime Prevention Centre (CPC) will finalize a work plan. The work plan will identify the lead partner(s) for each of the objectives in the strategy and provides a timeline for completing the activities associated with each strategic output.
Crime Prevention Centre will convene a meeting of relevant stakeholders to develop a work plan that details the activities and channels for each of the interventions desired by the strategy paper.
10. Crime Analysis
Knowing how, where and when to intervene requires both an understanding of the nature of the crime problem and the appreciation of what is available in terms of interventions and crime prevention strategies for tackling them. There needs to be clear understanding of which crime occurs at which locations, what the crime generators are likely to be in terms of opportunities, how offences are committed and when they take place. Data are also needed on, which interventions are appropriate to each situation, what are the tactical, organizational and environmental conditions for their successful implementation and what are the likely economic and opportunity costs for their deployment.
There are many ways to intervene to prevent the crime. Some involve making targets less vulnerable by strengthening them in some way (fitting bolts and locks), other focus on improving surveillance or by boosting guardianship and some raise awareness of crime risks through publicity campaigns or directly target offenders through targeted policing.
The effectiveness with which crime prevention measures are deployed depends on how far interventions are tackling the types of crime that community faces and if appropriate, how accurately they are targeted, how well they are implemented and how receptive local communities are to having them in their area.
Different types of analysis are required to support activities such as targeting, project implementation and community engagement. Effective implementation needs to be informed by an understanding of the physical and social characteristics of the affected areas as well as knowledge and experience of project management, partnership working and data sharing.
A holistic approach to analysis for intervention would involve learning not only about patterns of crime and disorder but also about other factors that affect the targeting, implementation and ultimately the effectiveness of crime prevention measures. These include the following;
Ø The distribution of crime opportunities
Ø Crime prevention strategies and their appropriateness
Ø Methods of resource allocation and targeting
Ø Partnership, engagement and support of communities for the deployment of crime prevention on the ground
Ø Likely sustainability of crime Prevention measures.
Understanding the patterns of crime and the mechanisms that generate them is a good starting point. Crime are not unique random events but rather share a number of common characteristics or features reflecting the activities of both victims and offenders; spatial clustering, repeat victimization, specific modus operandi, similar demographic and social characteristics.
CPA is a set of systematic analytical process directed as providing timely and pertinent information relative to crime pattern and trends to assist operational and administrative functions in the planning and deployment of resources. CPA attempts to form a picture of the nature and scale of crime in particular area. The size of the area, or the type and number of crimes examined may vary. Descriptive or inferential statistics are used for analysis, which may be supplemented by qualitative material.
A crime pattern is the occurrence of similar offences in defined geographic area. The only characteristics common to these cases are type of crime, type of location targeted and geography. These crimes are usually/ may not be committed by the same offenders. When we know the crime patterns, and connection, we can predict what future crime may occur then plan an operation to catch the criminals and prevent similar crime in future.
The mechanisms that generate crime patterns are shaped by the physical and social environment. The crime data alone are not sufficient fully to account for all the factors those analyses for the purposes of intervention to cover. It is not essential always to include environmental data in the analysis of crime problems. However when crime patterns are placed into their social and physical environmental context, additional information about their manifestation can be explored. For this purpose this strategy proposes a crime analysis framework based upon the following two categories;
Crime Cantered Analysis (CCA)
Crime Environment Analysis (CEA)
Further details of the crime analyses frame work is attached in annex. Based upon this framework separate technical specifications will be developed and a program will be set up in Crime Prevention Centre with support of ICT component of PRP.
A full evaluation should be conducted 12 months after implementation of the National Strategy. Monitoring during the implementation process is to be undertaken by the NCPCC.
The discipline of crime prevention and community safety is very broad and responsibility rests with a large range of stakeholders. The framework for the strategy is designed to allow a great deal of flexibility into the process. Bangladesh’s social development is progressing rapidly and the people appear excited by the change. The main emphasis throughout this framework is partnerships, empowerment and acceptance of responsibility. These are philosophical requirements which can only be instilled through cultural change. This is the reason that a National Strategy has to be lead and supported by the highest authority, while ownership and implementation rests with the community.
This framework shall enable the establishment of the systems and processes needed to develop and implement the overall strategy.
These principles will provide Ministries with the guiding principles necessary to emboss crime prevention and community safety into their portfolio business. The following is an example of what can be adopted in Bangladesh.
“All Ministries, on behalf of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, hereby agree to adopt the following principles regarding crime prevention and community safety”
- Crime prevention and community safety is the responsibility of all sectors of the community – all levels of government, police, business and industry, non-government, residents’ groups, school and other service providers
- Different types of crime and crime prevention are suitable for approaches at different levels. Government agencies, for example, have a role to play in crime prevention at the National, District and Thana policy levels.
- Strategic approaches to crime prevention are more effective than individual or one off initiatives or projects and District Governments have the role of leadership to develop crime prevention strategies with stakeholders from all sectors of the community
- Development and promotion of best practice in crime prevention based on research findings is critical to ensure impact and best use of resources
- Bipartisan commitment to crime prevention action across a broad range of policy areas should be sought by all District Governments to achieve reduced opportunities for the commission of crime and to improve the social and economic conditions that may impact on offending. Commitment to crime prevention from leaders should be clear and unequivocal. Commitment should be in the form of philosophical support and longer term structured commitment to encouraging, funding and resourcing innovative projects
- Crime prevention and community safety is an important and necessary component of the country’s social development and capacity building priorities.
Appendix: The Crime Analysis
Knowing how, where and when to intervene requires both an understanding of the nature of the crime problem and the appreciation of what is available in terms of interventions and crime prevention strategies for tackling them. There needs to be clear understanding of which crime occurs at which locations, what the crime generators are likely to be in terms of opportunities, how offences are committed and when they take place. Data are also needed on, which interventions are appropriate to each situation, what are the tactical, organizational and environmental conditions for their successful implementation and what are the likely economic and opportunity costs for their deployment.
There are many ways to intervene to prevent the crime. Some involve making targets less vulnerable by strengthening them in some way (fitting bolts and locks), other focus on improving surveillance or by boosting guardianship and some raise awareness of crime risks through publicity campaigns or directly target offenders through targeted policing.
The effectiveness with which crime prevention measures are deployed depends on how far interventions are tackling the types of crime that community faces and if appropriate, how accurately they are targeted, how well they are implemented and how receptive local communities are to having them in their area.
Different types of analysis are required to support activities such as targeting, project implementation and community engagement. Effective implementation needs to be informed by an understanding of the physical and social characteristics of the affected areas as well as knowledge and experience of project management, partnership working and data sharing.
The intervention process begins with problem analysis followed by policy options appraisal and than progresses to implementation, monitoring, evaluation and review. Analyses should be done in at each stage through out the processes. Relevant analyses in the initial stage would focus on crime problems and socio environmental contexts and the later stages would be concerned with the measurement of policy impacts and the attribution of observed changes to interventions etc.
Crime analysis has three parts i.e. Crime pattern Analysis, General Profile Analysis and Crime Control Method Analysis.
CPA attempts to form a picture of the nature and scale of crime in particular area. The size of the area, or the type and number of crimes examined may vary. Descriptive or inferential statistics are used for analysis, which may be supplemented by qualitative material.
General Profile analysis attempts to identify typical characteristics of perpetrators of certain crimes. General profile analysis may focus not only the offender, but also one likely victim of crime.
Crime Control Method; Analysis. Involves the evaluation of methods and techniques introduced with the aim of establishing their future usefulness.
A holistic approach to analysis for intervention would involve learning not only about patterns of crime and disorder but also about other factors that affect the targeting, implementation and ultimately the effectiveness of crime prevention measures. These include the following;
Ø The distribution of crime opportunities
Ø Crime prevention strategies and their appropriateness
Ø Methods of resource allocation and targeting
Ø Partnership, engagement and support of communities for the deployment of crime prevention on the ground
Ø Likely sustainability of crime Prevention measures.
Crime pattern Analysis (CPA)
Understanding the patterns of crime and the mechanisms that generate them is a good starting point. Crime are not unique random events but rather share a number of common characteristics or features reflecting the activities of both victims and offenders; spatial clustering, repeat victimization, specific modus operandi, similar demographic and social characteristics.
CPA is a set of systematic analytical process directed as providing timely and pertinent information relative to crime pattern and trends to assist operational and administrative functions in the planning and deployment of resources. CPA attempts to form a picture of the nature and scale of crime in particular area. The size of the area, or the type and number of crimes examined may vary. Descriptive or inferential statistics are used for analysis, which may be supplemented by qualitative material.
A crime pattern is the occurrence of similar offences in defined geographic area. The only characteristics common to these cases are type of crime, type of location targeted and geography. These crimes are usually/ may not be committed by the same offenders. When we know the crime patterns, and connection, we can predict what future crime may occur then plan an operation to catch the criminals and prevent similar crime in future.
The Crime Analysis framework
The mechanisms that generate crime patterns are shaped by the physical and social environment. The crime data alone are not sufficient fully to account for all the factors those analyses for the purposes of intervention to cover. It is not essential always to include environmental data in the analysis of crime problems. However when crime patterns are placed into their social and physical environmental context, additional information about their manifestation can be explored.
Objectives of Crime Analysis Framework
Ø To study the criminal incidents,
Ø To identify the patterns, trends of the problems,
Ø To analyse these trends, patterns and the problems,
Ø To disseminate information to police units so that they can develop tactics and strategies for future interventions.
Output of Crime Analysis Framework
Crime pattern- Nature and distribution of crime within an area
Crime trends- Changes in the area’s crime pattern
Crime series- Crime with common offender
Crime hotspots- An area with high numbers of criminals incidents
Crime clusters Groups of crime linked by commonality in their character.
For this purpose this strategy proposes a crime analysis framework based upon the following two categories;
Crime centered analysis (CCA)
CCA uses a range of measurements and statistical techniques to identify the manifestation of crime and how it is changing overtime. It includes analysis of spatial distribution, its temporal patterns and how crime within one area compared with that elsewhere.
Relevant questions to ask in relation to CCA
Where does crime occur?
When does crime occur?
When crime occurs, where do they occur?
Where crime occurs, when do they occur?
How crime does occurs (MO analysis)
Do areas with one crime problem have other crime problems?
Where are these areas?
Which and how many crimes do they have?
How much of the population is effected?
How concentrated is crime?
To what extent are there repeat crimes?
What are the time intervals between repeats?
Where repeat crime concentrates?
Who are the victims and who are the offenders?
Do offenders live in the areas with the highest crime rates?
Aggregate data for Crime Centered Analysis (CCA);
Tabulation of crime counts and derivation of crime rates
Identification of areas with significantly high and low crime
Benchmarking of area crime rates against comparison areas
Identification of crime mix and its variation across areas
Identification of areas falling into the worst percentile on one or more crime types
Derivations of composite crime indices for ranking of areas
Calculation of the concentration of crime at area level
Identification of repeat crime by area
Identification of temporal variations in crime by area
Result to get from CCA
Is the volume of crime increasing or decreasing
Is crime affecting the same areas or new areas?
Are crime diffusing or concentrating
Is there evidence of displacement or crime switch?
Crime Environment Analysis (CEA)
CEA examines the relationship between crime and aspects of the physical and social environment. It include exploring links between crime and community level characteristics and between crime and other factors such as land use, transport routes, the crime generator factors, crime attractors and crime prevention measures (if available).
Relevant questions to ask in relation to CEA
What types of area have high crimes?
Do they have particular types of housing or built environment?
Are they policy priorities areas?
What types of transport and communications do they have?
Are they accessible to offenders?
Do they have poor natural surveillance?
Do they have a large number of potential attractors?
Do they have crime prevention measures already? If so which…
Result; Crime Environment Analysis (CEA)
Crime level within policy priority areas for area based initiatives
Crime profile for town centers, out of town retail parks, industrial estates, transport hubs, economic development areas and urban cultural quarters within a region
Cross border crime (internal and international areas)
Data requirements and sources
There are ranges of existing or secondary data for profiling local crime problems and for identifying contextual factor that either facilitate or pose obstacles to implementing crime prevention measures on ground. Some of them are consistent in format and others are subject to local variations how they are grouped and categorized. Here are some of the illustrations of sources of data which can be used for crime analyses.
Area crime level (recorded crime- police statistics)
Actual victimization (unreported plus reported- survey data)
Crime opportunities within an area (secondary and survey data)
Perceptions of crime within an area
Perceptions of crime opportunities
Fear of crime
Anger about crime
Shock about crime
Perception of safety
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