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This study used a quasi-experiment in order to evaluate the effect the SPOT-burglary profile on burglary arrest rates. A single police agency split into three different districts was used for the quasi-experiment. The SPOT-burglary profile was implemented in one district, while leaving the other two as control groups. The differences between the districts were controlled for using a statistical analysis. Burglary arrest rates were collected each month for all three districts for a period of one year before the implementation, and for six months after the implementation. Results show that the district who received the SPOT-burglary profile raised their burglary arrest rates by almost 75% in only 6 months, even after controlling for all relevant variables. This shows that the experimental intervention, the burglary profile, had a significant effect on the intended outcome- burglary arrest rates. The results of this study suggest that the SPOT-burglary profile may be able to provide law enforcement agencies with another tool to help increase burglary arrest rates in the future.

There are two main objectives of this thesis. First, to review the social science evidence on the extent to which different police practices have been proven to reduce crime, or not reduce crime, as well as those cases where the evidence is not clear. This thesis synthesizes crime reduction strategies to short-list those practices that are proven to reduce crime. Second, it uses the evidence collected to facilitate an exploratory case study with three key informants from the Ottawa Police Service (OPS). The case study examines the current use and perceived future role of the police in evidence-based crime prevention efforts. Overall, the research study seeks to answer the following four research questions: 1. What sources of literature provide well-researched and reliable data on effectiveness of policing in crime reduction? 2. In this literature, what policing strategies/practices are shown to reduce crime, not reduce crime or are promising in reducing crime? 3. To what extent is the OPS using evidence-based knowledge to guide their policing strategy/practices? 4. To what extent is the OPS open to using evidence-based knowledge to guide their policing strategy/practices in the future?

Over the last forty years, diversion of young offenders from the criminal justice system has been a part of youth justice policy in Canada. Over this period of time numerous research studies have examined the effectiveness of diversion programs. Many have had similar conclusions: diversion programs do not draw the majority of their participants from court bound populations. While the purpose of diversion was to limit state intervention into the lives of young people, it has instead served to extend the arm of the law by increasing state intervention for many young offenders. Yet, despite the evidence diversion policy and programs continue to garner broad based support. This research is an attempt to understand the popularity of diversion over time and explore the purposes, beyond that of a reduction in the use of youth court, that diversion serves. This research examines two police pre-charge diversion programs in Ontario, Canada. Diversion is explored from the perspective of the police that use and operate these programs as well as from the perspective of the young people processed in them.

Over the last forty years, diversion of young offenders from the criminal justice system has been a part of youth justice policy in Canada. Over this period of time numerous research studies have examined the effectiveness of diversion programs. Many have had similar conclusions: diversion programs do not draw the majority of their participants from court bound populations. While the purpose of diversion was to limit state intervention into the lives of young people, it has instead served to extend the arm of the law by increasing state intervention for many young offenders. Yet, despite the evidence diversion policy and programs continue to garner broad based support. This research is an attempt to understand the popularity of diversion over time and explore the purposes, beyond that of a reduction in the use of youth court, that diversion serves. This research examines two police pre-charge diversion programs in Ontario, Canada. Diversion is explored from the perspective of the police that use and operate these programs as well as from the perspective of the young people processed in them.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--York University, 1999. Graduate Programme in Sociology. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 200-208). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/yorku/fullcit?pNQ43419.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--York University, 2000. Graduate Programme in Sociology. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 214-231). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/yorku/fullcit?pNQ67933.

To-date relatively little research has explored the perceptions that influence young peoples' interest in policing as a career. This study examined if perceptions of policing are interconnected with desire to be an officer. Overall, the results were inconclusive; however, it was determined that young people interested in a policing career hold moderately accurate perceptions of policing with regards to the application and hiring process, officer salary, the daily tasks performed by officers, and issues of gender. But, these young people have a limited understanding of longstanding issues of race/ethnic discrimination within policing. The implications of this research undertaking for policing organizations and academics are discussed.

There are two main objectives of this thesis. First, to review the social science evidence on the extent to which different police practices have been proven to reduce crime, or not reduce crime, as well as those cases where the evidence is not clear. This thesis synthesizes crime reduction strategies to short-list those practices that are proven to reduce crime. Second, it uses the evidence collected to facilitate an exploratory case study with three key informants from the Ottawa Police Service (OPS). The case study examines the current use and perceived future role of the police in evidence-based crime prevention efforts. Overall, the research study seeks to answer the following four research questions: 1. What sources of literature provide well-researched and reliable data on effectiveness of policing in crime reduction? 2. In this literature, what policing strategies/practices are shown to reduce crime, not reduce crime or are promising in reducing crime? 3. To what extent is the OPS using evidence-based knowledge to guide their policing strategy/practices? 4. To what extent is the OPS open to using evidence-based knowledge to guide their policing strategy/practices in the future?

The thesis reviews the changes which have taken place in policing England and Wales between 1950 and 1998 with particular reference to foui* key themes: community policmg, crime preverition, victims of crime and quality ofservice. It contributes to ah understanding of how policing has developed during a period of significant social change and explores the rationale which has underpinned legislative development and policy making at national and force levels whilst identifying the significance of these changes within a local city environment. The development of the key themes at national level is considered within the local policing environment of the south-west of England. This has been undertaken with particular reference to the way in which they have influenced the direction of policing within Devon and Cornwall and, in particular, how aspects of their implementation have been perceived by both police officers and sections of the public within the largest urban area of the two counties, the city of Plymouth. Much of the detailed research within the city has concentrated upon the area of Stonehouse, forming part of the St Peter ward; an area which has been identified as one of the most socially and economically deprived locations in England. Through personal interviews, telephone and postal questionnaires, and an insider's ethnographic perspective, the study is brought into local focus. This allows critical analysis of the key themes in terms of their local development against the national perspective.