Released on December 13, 2002
An independent evaluation of the Regina Auto Theft Strategy shows that theapproach and procedures put in place to deal with young car thieves is
showing good results. The process evaluation was done by Dr. Jeffrey
Pfeifer and Kim Skakun of the Canadian Institute for Peace, Justice and
Security at the University of Regina.
"Since the implementation of the Auto Theft Strategy in February, 2002,
there has been a 40 per cent reduction in auto thefts compared to last
year, the lowest since 1995," Corrections and Public Safety Minister Andrew
Thomson said. "To the end of November, that's more than 1,300 fewer stolen
vehicles in Regina and that's success."
The strategy was developed and implemented through a community partnership
involving the provincial departments of Justice, Social Services,
Corrections and Public Safety together with the Regina Police Service and
the Regina Intersectoral Committee. The auto theft strategy consolidates
resources and uses strict controls on high risk repeat offenders, including
24-hour supervision and close monitoring of young offenders who are not in
custody.
"The strategy is effective because it is a targeted approach with strong
community partners," Justice Minister Chris Axworthy said. "It supports
the government priority on keeping communities safe by making young
offenders accountable and take personal responsibility for their actions."
Dr. Pfeifer, a psychologist at the university and an internationally
recognized expert in criminology, identifies several positive key factors
in his evaluation such as risk assessment, program delivery, integrated
case management, incentives for youth to participate, post-release
monitoring and grassroots multi-agency co-ordination and
communication. "It is clear that the Regina Auto Theft Strategy has been
effective in implementing a number of innovative approaches and techniques
to address the issue of young offender auto theft," he reports.
Copies of the evaluation are available at the www.cps.gov.sk.ca Web site.
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For more information, contact:
Bill Derby Dr. Jeffrey Pfeifer
Corrections and Public Safety University of Regina
Regina Regina
Phone: (306) 787-5883 Phone: (306) 585-4218