Summary of the 2017-18 Evaluation of the National Crime Prevention Strategy

About the program

The National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS or Strategy) was launched in 1998. Through the Strategy, PS funds the development and implementation of programs that target specific crime issues in regions and communities across the country.
It currently includes four funding programs:
- Crime Prevention Action Fund;
- Northern and Aboriginal Crime Prevention Fund;
- Youth Gang Prevention Fund; and
- Communities at Risk: Security Infrastructure Program.
The NCPS also focuses on gathering and disseminating practical knowledge about program effectiveness and implementation to relevant stakeholders.
The Strategy is an integral part of the Government of Canada's plan to prevent and reduce crime by intervening before offences occur.

The evaluation assessed the NCPS's relevance and the performance, taking into account the organizational changes within PS during the time period under review.
This evaluation also examined the extent to which the Strategy meets gender-specific needs.
Total program expenditures covered by this evaluation amounted to $250 million over five years, including $210 million in grants and contributions.
The evaluation covered the period from 2012-13 to 2016-17.

The NCPS remains relevant and there is a continuing need for crime prevention investments and efforts to address risk factors that lead to crime.
The Strategy has adapted to address emerging needs and priorities, including addressing gender issues in funding.
Stakeholder understanding and knowledge of evidence-based crime prevention was enhanced by the NCPS activities, however, a more coherent and timely approach to knowledge dissemination is required.
As crime prevention crosses multiple jurisdictions, collaboration is a critical element for projects success and sustainability. More opportunities for collaboration are needed to enable networking and partnerships and to ensure there is a continued complementarity of efforts.
After departmental realignment in 2014, the NCPS has been jointly managed by two branches. There is evidence that this change has impacted cross-functional communication and coordination (i.e., between policy, research and programs).
The Strategy lapsed over $50M from 2012-13 to 2016-17.

The Assistant Deputy Ministers of the Community Safety and Countering Crime Branch and the Emergency Management and Programs Branch should:

Establish clear processes between the two Branches to plan, coordinate and deliver the NCPS.
Examine mechanisms for improving engagement with provincial and territorial governments, including other government departments, to support crime prevention initiatives.
Implement the existing knowledge dissemination strategy and systematically collect data on the reach and impact of knowledge products.