Book Review: Crime Prevention

​CRC Press; crcpress.com; 532 pages; $90.

Straightforward and easy to understand, the second edition of Stephen Schneider’s Crime Prevention: Theory and Practice delivers what its title promises. It examines various approaches to crime prevention, analyzing strengths and weaknesses, history, and progress. 

What separates this book from others on the topic is that case studies and academic research results illustrate theories in action and demonstrate real-life outcomes. The author chose wisely when gathering the case studies, with examples from all corners of Western civilization. As cultures continue to mingle and merge, such information will become increasingly relevant.

The author recognizes that crime comes from multiple sources, and he looks at the routes and remedies from many different directions. The latest viewpoints, theories, and reasoning are explored alongside more traditional approaches. 

Practitioners early in their careers and students will find this text useful in establishing a basic understanding of crime theory. Local government leaders wishing to implement a multi-streamed approach to crime prevention in their communities will also find much value. Practitioners looking for more specialized information will need to consult other books.

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Reviewer: Danté I. Moriconi, CPP, PCI, PSP, CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), is physical security manager for L-3 Communication Systems-West. He is a member of the ASIS Salt Lake Chapter.