WHY ARE CRIME RATES GOING DOWN - A CASE-STUDY IN EDMONTON

This paper examines the precipitous drop in crime rates in Edmonton re ported over the past two years. Previous analysis shows that the major reasons for changes in crime rates include: reduction in the numbers of the at-risk population: deterioration in the social and economic cl imate: changes in laws: alterations in access to police; and changes i n the proactive nature of policing. The results of analysis of data dr awn from official files and community surveys from one city indicate t hat the drop in crime rates are a function of declines in property cri me reporting; administrative decisions taken to alter the access to po lice resources for the public; and a shift towards community policing with an emphasis on problem solving and crime prevention.