The Council of State of Finland took a decision in principle on a national crime prevention programme on the 4 of March 1999. The goal of the programme is to create a common policy for action in the prevention of crime and in the promotion of security.

The goal is that not only the State but also municipalities, the business community, the Church, civic organizations and private individuals would participate in crime prevention in a more purposeful and active manner. The focal point of the program is on local crime prevention.

A large number of actions taken by the State is listed in the program and there are six ministries altogether responsible for carrying these out. Furthermore there are actions suggested in the program in which municipalities, the business community and other partners mentioned in the program will be able to participate. It is explicit objective of the broad partnership that makes it justified to speak about a national program.

The decision in principle was prepared by the National Council for Crime Prevention under the initiation of the Ministry of Justice. In the memorandum Working Together for a Safe Society the National Council for Crime Prevention presents the lines of activities approved in the decision in principle and states briefly the reasons for the chosen activities.

There are several paragraphs in the present Government’s program wherein they are obliged to continue to fulfill the Crime Prevention Program. Many of the proposed activities are under preparation in different ministries. Furthermore, planning of the local crime prevention strategies has started in municipalities.

National Crime Prevention Program, pdf-file, 86 pages, 384 kB

For more information:
Executive Secretery Hannu Takala
National Council for Crime Prevention