Decker addresses Danish Crime Prevention Council

Scott Decker talked to members of law enforcement, social services, and others involved in crime prevention at the 2014 Danish Crime Prevention Day held April 8 in Copenhagen, Denmark.  Decker, a Foundation Professor and director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice in the College of Public Programs at Arizona State University, talked about the dangers to young people whose neighborhoods have high crime and greater availability of drugs.

The Danish Crime Prevention Council has devoted a day to discussions about how best to prevent crime in the Danish context," says Decker. "This conference brings together hundreds of police, youth workers, outreach workers, politicians and court personnel to hear about and discuss promising practices for preventng youth crime. This is an opportunity to present models from the US and assess their utility and relevance in Denmark."

Decker talked about his research on how the street and street-life contribute to involvement in gangs, delinquency, and negative behaviors. He discussed several different approaches to dealing with gangs, both those that worked and those that failed.  Decker explained how prevention efforts must be tailored to specific groups and situations. And he talked about the important role of collaboration among the various groups--law enforcement, schools, families and community organizations.  Decker shared results from his research on what it takes for members to leave gangs and what approach should be taken with individuals to encourage that decision.