Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS)
Axios
Policing
Problems addressed
Crime and delinquency (multiple types)
Effectiveness

Promising

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Promising

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Life periods served
People of all ages
Where the program was applied
Community (streets or community centers)
Country of application
United States
Description

This program develops the integrated work of the police, local government agencies, and the community in five Chicago neighborhoods. It involves problem-focused prevention interventions based on five axes:
1) Identifying and prioritizing problems;
2) Analyzing problems;
3) Designing strategies to address problems;
4) Implementing a plan; and
5) Evaluating its effectiveness.
The work is carried out by means of monthly meetings and extensive training involving police officers and community members. Efficient use of municipal services and new technologies are also part of the fight against crime in each area.

Impact evaluations

An impact evaluation showed that the program led to a decrease in crime in half of the areas that received the intervention, while the other neighborhoods, which did not receive the intervention, saw an increase in crime. In the treated areas, there was a reduction in the number of complaints made through calls to the police [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Kim, So Young; Wesley, G. Skogan. (2003). Community Policing Working Paper 27: Statistical Analysis of Time series Data on Problem Solving. Chicago, Ill.: Illinois Criminal Justice Informational Authority.

Information source