Harnessing knowledge to stop violence
Spending billions on police, courts and prisons may sound effective, but it does little to stop violence, says internationally renowned expert Professor Irvin Waller.
In his recent book, Less Law, More Order, the Director of the University of Ottawa’s Institute for the Prevention of Crime (IPC) shows that money directed toward penal justice is better spent addressing risk factors that cause violence.
Drawing on scientific research and decades of experience in advising governments, Waller shows how planned investments in services for women, at-risk youth, families and neighbourhoods are more effective in preventing violence than traditional reactive approaches.
Paying for services to support victims and guaranteeing their rights is better than "tough on crime" rhetoric, he adds, and achievable and affordable according to research.
But these policies won’t happen on their own. Waller proposes legislation to make the shift from outdated penal policies to effective preventive programs. The IPC is working with decision makers to get results.
The province of Alberta has developed his prevention-oriented vision into a $500 million Crime Reduction and Community Safety Strategy, while British Columbia, Quebec and many cities are studying his ideas.
Less Law, More Order, already available in four languages, is attracting attention from legislators in Britain, France, Argentina, Mexico and Japan. It has also drawn interest from U.S. President Barrack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden, who has reportedly read Professor Waller’s book.
"There are rewarding careers implementing what works to stop violence," notes Professor Waller, who is recruiting graduate students to study and expand knowledge on prevention and ways to shift policy to smarter solutions.
By Greg Higgins
Published: May 2009