We use past behavior to predict future behavior (Mackenzie, n.d.). In the same study MacKenzie continues to state that it is thus sensible to prevent the occurrence of crime by preventing past offenders from continuing with their criminal activities. Crime prevention entails the strategies and measures that seek to reduce the risk of crimes occurring (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), 2009). Closely attached to crime prevention is the criminal justice system which proposesdifferent strategies for controlling crime (MacKenzie, n.d). Accordingly, success of the criminal justice system, to a large extent, determines the success in crime prevention.  However, crime prevention is not the sole responsibility of the government through the police but a multi-agency approach involving a number of institutions (Walters, n.d).  This essay, therefore, attempts to define crime prevention and find out its relationship with the criminal justice system. It also tries to unearth the various institutions through which crime prevention programs and practices are delivered.

     UNODC and the UN-HABITAT in 2009 defined crime prevention as the, “strategies and measures that seek to reduce the risk of crimes occurring, and their potential harmful effects on individuals and society, including fear of crime, by intervening to influence their multiple causes”. This definition puts in mind that crime may be increased by a number of social, economic and environmental factors (UNODC and UN-HABITAT, 2009). Consequently, proactive methods such as housing, health and job creation rather than reactive ones should be applied to reduce crime (UNODC and UN-HABITAT, 2009). In addition, although crime prevention efforts target those who are not yet involved in crime, other efforts that reduce crime in the community should also be considered (MacKenzie. n.d).

      “As the costs of crime for both individuals and the community rise, crime prevention has become a major concern”, (Walters, n.d.).  Being the main body involved in crime prevention, the criminal justice system comes up with the options for dealing with actual perpetrators once they are identified (MacKenzie n.d.). It is therefore an indispensible component in crime prevention. Incapacitation, deterrence, rehabilitation and community restraints are some of the ways the criminal justice system uses to prevent crime (MacKenzie n.d.).  

     Additionally, for many years, crime prevention has been seen as the responsibility of the police (UNODC and the UN-HABITAT, 2009). Conversely, it is now clear that crime has multiple causes and other sectors of society have a responsibility in preventing it (UNODC and UN-HABITAT, 2009). A multi-agency approach that brings together the various institutions through which crime prevention programs and practices are delivered is the surest way of reducing crime (Walter, n.d.).This approach allows the government, local authorities and thecommunity to work in partnership thereby sharingexpertise,ideas, and most importantly the community is involved in decision making andmanagementof the crime prevention projects (Walters,  n.d.).

      In conclusion, it is worth noting that the rise in crime is a costly undertaking for both individuals and the community (Walters, n.d.). As a result, it is necessary to prevent crime in order to cut on these costs. However, to make this a reality, various institutions such as the government, local authorities and the community must work hand in hand (Walters, n.d.). The burden should not be left on the police.  Lastly, the criminal justice system should come up with viable options for dealing with crime (MacKenzie n.d). This will hasten crime prevention which will in turn make the world a a much secure place.

References

MacKenzie, D. L. Criminal Justice and Crime Prevention.

     Retrieved 25^th October 2011 from

     https://www.ncjrs.gov/works/chapter9.htm

UNODC & UN-HABITAT. (2009). Crime Prevention Assessment Tool. Criminal Justice Assessment 

     Toolkit. United Nations Publication HS/1232/09E ISBN 978-92-1-132197-5.

     Retrieved 25^th October 2011 from

     http://www.unodc.org/documents/justice-and-prison-reform/crimeprevention/09-82502_Ebook.pdf

Walters, R. The "Dream" of Multi-agency. Crime Prevention: Pitfalls in Policy and Practice. Victoria

     University of Wellington.

     Retrieved 25^th October 2011 from

     http://www.popcenter.org/library/crimeprevention/volume_05/04_Walters.pdf