Standardization for urban and situational crime prevention

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the project Standardization for urban and situational crime prevention was to study and assess whether Swedish actors in the built environment and infrastructure sector view standardization as a relevant tool for working with and improving such forms of crime prevention. The objective was to investigate the sector’s view on the innovation potential concerning design and efficacy of the processes and measures employed; if standardization could contribute to improvements; and if standardization could support international competitiveness.

Expected results and effects

The mapping of the area pointed to a fragmented practice and contradictions with regard to policy. Simultaneously, there is a display of real interest and support for standardization which indicates a real possibility to coordinate actors, both public and private, in the built environment and infrastructure sector with regard to continued efforts towards standardization of urban and situational crime prevention for an improved and efficient practice. What is needed is coordination of initiatives, research concerning implementation, and education.

Planned approach and implementation

The project started with a mapping of relevant standards and ongoing standardization work, and also checked if any certification or accreditation existed in the area. This formed the basis for a questionnaire addressed broadly to actors in the built environment and infrastructure sector. A workshop and meetings were organized in order to establish a picture of knowledge and experiences in the sector. The purpose was also to identify possible spin-off effects in terms of future practice and research related efforts. The mapping process also included legislation and policy in the area.