Get the Facts
Crime is not only a societal issue, but also causes a financial burden on individuals, communities, and governments. Understanding the economic costs of crime and the value of crime prevention can guide decisions and motivate necessary investments in our community’s safety and well-being.
Did You Know?
The cost of Crime: A National and Local Perspective:
The annual cost of crime in the US according to the National Institute of Justice, is estimated to be $2.6 trillion. This includes direct costs- such as property damage, medical costs, legal and law enforcement expenditures, and indirect costs such as lost productivity, psychological costs, and reduced quality of life.
Daily costs of crime broken down further amounts to an average of $7.1 billion per day in the US. These costs are borne by taxpayers, businesses, and individuals, contributing to higher insurance premiums, emergency services, and the strain on the criminal justice system.
Cost of crime per citizen in the US is on average $8,000 per year in direct and indirect expenses.
The Power of Crime Prevention
Cost savings through crime prevention: Crime prevention is one of the most effective ways to reduce these financial burdens. According to the National Institute of Justice, every dollar invested in crime prevention can save up to $2-4 in costs associated with criminal justice, healthcare, and lost productivity.
Reducing Recidivism: Programs aimed at reducing recidivism and helping previously incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society have shown substantial long-term savings. For example, the Council of State Government Justice Center estimates that if recidivism is reduced by just 10%, it could save the US $6.2 billion annually.
Community Impact: Communities that invest in crime prevention programs experience not only a reduction in crime rates but also an increase in overall quality of life. These efforts can lead to lower rates of poverty, improved education outcomes, and stronger local economies. The Urban Institute found that for every dollar spent on effective crime prevention, the community reaps a return of $3-5 in reduced crime-related costs.
National and Local Crime Prevention Efforts
Federal funding and support: The US Government allocates significant resources to crime prevention through programs such as the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, which supports local law enforcement in their efforts to reduce crime. In 2023, nearly $200 million was distributed to support crime prevention and justice reform programs across the nation.
Local Initiatives: At the local level, the Brown County Crime Prevention Foundation plays a crucial role in funding and implementing community-based crime prevention strategies. These include neighborhood watch programs, youth engagement initiatives, and educational campaigns about drug abuse, and violence prevention. The Foundation’s efforts not only reduce crime but also foster trust between law enforcement and the community, a resulting in safer, more cohesive neighborhoods.
Effect on Community Health and Safety: By funding crime prevention programs, the Brown County Crime Prevention Foundation helps to create a ripple effect in the local community. As crime rates drop, residents feel safer, local businesses thrive, and there is greater civic engagement. In turn, these factors contribute to the community’s long-term stability and growth. Studies have shown that areas with lower crimes rates attract more investments, which leads to improved infrastructure and more job opportunities for residents.
Investing in crime prevention is one of the most effective and efficient ways to reduce the costs associated with crime and enhance the quality of life for all residents. The Brown County Crime Prevention Foundation is committed to making a positive impact on our community through education, partnerships, and proactive measures to keep our neighborhoods safe and secure.
