Crime Prevention Practice Paper 3: An Overview of the Crime Prevention Plan Endorsement Process in New South Wales

Abstract

Local government has been identified internationally as a key agency in efforts to prevent crime. Numerous policies and guidelines developed in New South Wales (NSW) over the past 10‐15 years have reflected this position. Many of these policies have been developed, adopted and funded by State government agencies. This has created a situation in which local government can apply to the NSW Crime Prevention Division (Department of Justice and Attorney General) to get a Crime Prevention Plan endorsed as a safer community compact. Once endorsed, the council is then eligible to apply for funding (a maximum of $50,000 per annum for three years) to support implementation of initiatives outlined in their Crime Prevention Plan. A short survey was sent to staff in six councils to explore the views on the endorsement process. The findings are presented in this paper.