Sport and Crime Reduction

The use of sports-based activity programmes as a means of tackling crime has been explored in a number of countries worldwide, particularly in relation to the prevention of re-offending in the ten to eighteen age bracket. However, until now there has been no definitive and rigorous analysis of the rationale behind these programmes, and evidence of their successes and failures has been piecemeal, uncritical and without standardization. This book addresses this gap in the literature, bringing together empirical research from programmes in the UK, US and Australia with an explanation and evaluation of the results of these initiatives. Subjects covered include: - assessment of programmes in a range of contexts - the first evidence base of crime reduction sport programmes - international comparisons and case studies - conclusions for best practice - advice for monitoring the effectiveness of programmes - synergies with sport development and promotion of facility use. Examining a variety of realworld case studies set up with the aim of reducing levels of crime in the community, Sport and Crime Reduction should be read by students and professionals in local government, sports development, youth and community work, criminology, the youth justice system and leisure policy.

Geoff Nichols is Senior Lecturer in Leisure Management at the Sheffield University Management School, UK.

1. Introduction: The Aims of the Book, the Target Audience, and How to Read It Part 1: Theory - The Theory Underpinning Sport's Role in Social Policy 2. The Rationale for Including Sport in Social Policy Initiatives 3. What is Evidence, and Why is It so Contentious? 4. Today's Sport and Social Policy Context 5. Towards a Typology of Programmes Part 2: Practice - Case Studies in Sport-Led Crime Prevention 6. West Yorkshire Sports Counselling 7. Haffotty Wen 8. The Fairbridge Programme 9. Positive Futures 10. Podium Project 11. The Parks for all Project 12. 'Splash' National programme with Spotlight on Delivery 13-15. Australian Case Studies Part 3: Building Theory into Practice 16. Modelling Programmes and Balancing Competing Objectives 17. Project Evaluation with Limited Resources and Expertise 'On Site' 18. The Role of Sport. 19. Conclusion