Recent Trends in Crime Prevention: How are The Classical Approaches Renewed in The Digital Era?

Abstract

Globalization and new forms of crime have increased the spread of violence and threats toward individuals and societies. It has become imperative to follow the recent trends in crime prevention, as they are proactive, partici-patory, stimulating the role of the individual and the com-munity, and using technology. For this reason, the paper aims to show the latest approaches and practices in preventing delinquency and crime. Based on an integrative literature review methodology using evaluation, analysis, and synthesis, this paper examined the new crime trends to analyze current prevention initiatives, practices, and strategies. The Kyoto Conference (March 2021) was a theoretical entry point for monitoring global trends in crime prevention. The analysis showed that prevention through social development, situational prevention, and communi-ty-based prevention remain the most used and practical approaches, greatly enhanced by using new technolo-gies. Results also showed that policies based on the city’s role and international coordination are among the latest trends. This paper also discussed the most critical tools in monitoring prevention programs, some models of comprehensive strategies, and the role of forensic sciences in developing prevention initiatives. Finally, the paper recommended making social development programs involving psychological factors a top priority, actively involving the community and civil society, creating an Arab observatory for crime, violence, and delinquency, founding a platform for the exchange of experiences and best practices, and launching an Arab Center for Youth Empowerment. The paper also recommended enhancing the role of forensic sciences in crime prevention, as they provide valuable data on the occurrence of criminal acts that can be used to predict and anticipate.