Experts kick off discussion of a Crime Prevention Framework for Peel

(BRAMPTON) – On March 2, 2012, the Peel community kicked off the discussion about a crime prevention framework for the Region with two presentations by prominent Canadian crime prevention experts.

The presentations were part of Partners for a Safer Community, an event hosted by the Region of Peel and sponsored by Safe City Mississauga, Brampton Safe City, Peel Police Services Board, and Peel Regional Police. The purpose of the event was to encourage organizations throughout Peel to join the discussion about community crime prevention.

The March 2 event flows from the Peel Police Services Board’s Five Point Plan, instituted in 2008 to reduce violence in the Region.

“Community engagement is a key part of the Five Point Plan,” said Emil Kolb, Regional Chair and Chair of the Peel Police Services Board. “We want to encourage community organizations to work together and to work with us, with the common goal of preventing crime in Peel.”

Event delegates heard presentations from two experts who have experience helping Canadian provinces and municipalities to develop their own crime prevention frameworks:

• Chief Dale McFee, Prince Albert Police, is the current President of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. He initiated a Community Mobilization program in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, that has been heralded as a success both nationally and internationally.
• Dr. Irvin Waller is a university professor, author, and speaker. His book, Less Law, More Order: The Truth about Reducing Crime, influenced the cutting edge and balanced crime reduction policies of Alberta and several Canadian cities.

Delegates included representatives from federal, provincial and municipal governments, and staff members from NGOs throughout the Region.

“These representatives all have unique perspectives on how to prevent crime,” Kolb said. “The Region and our police service are known as leaders. However, we’re also smart enough to learn from others. This meeting is an opportunity to learn from experts in their field and to share their views on what a successful crime prevention framework should look like.”

Resources

• Making a Safe Region Safer – Dr. Irvin Waller
• Community Mobilization (Presentation Download)
• Video Presentation - Dr. Irvin Waller
• Video Presentation - Chief Dale McFee