Crime & Justice
What we stand for:
Tackling the causes of crime.
Policy Exchange believes that policy makers have approached crime prevention in a purely reactive way for too long. Politicians have talked about being tough on the “causes of crime” as well as the symptoms – but we still need to make that a reality.
Police reform to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
The Crime and Justice Research Unit has led the debate on police reform, publishing six influential research reports since 2003. With ACPO and the APA predicting 20% reductions in the policing budget, it is now critical that the structure policing is overhauled and made more accountable and responsive to local communities whilst dealing with serious and organised crime.
Prison reform to cut reoffending.
Policy Exchange has suggested ways to radically reform the prison estate reduce levels of gun and knife crime and cut reoffending rates. The Unit is committed to tackling the 'revolving door' in Prisons, with a focus on diversion with a purpose.
Joined-up justice.
At present there is too little coordination between crime prevention agencies, the police, the courts, our prisons and probation services. Too many people fall through the cracks, and problems are not nipped in the bud.
More from Policy Exchange's Crime & Justice Unit:
