Success stories of incorporating data from observatories into polices and programs – Do they exist? Vivien Carli, vcarli@crime-prevention-intl.org International Centre for the Prevention of Crime (ICPC)

Experience regarding the implementation and continuity of observatories shows us that a series of requirements need to be met to ensure the achievement of its purposes [i.e. Offers monitoring and analysis tools for decision-making, informs strategic content of public policy]....

• Political considerations

• Coordination and linkage with different actors

• Training of human resources and monitoring

• Sustainability and viability

• Political neutrality and objectivity

• Good public visibility

• Clear linkage between scope and functions

Requirements = Success factors

What does actual ‘success’ look like?

QUIZ – Which of the following are ‘success stories’?

CASE 1

•Regionally based

•Strategic position - Recognized by Commission of Police Chiefs and Presidents of Central America

•Systematize violence and crime data among some members

•National security and police links

•Highly skilled staff

•Model projects

•Part of a strong network

CASE 2

•Local initiative

•Strong partnership between health, police, shelters, civil society

•10 year guaranteed funding

•Monthly partner meetings

•Close links with the police

•Eventually scaled up to become regional monitoring system

•Part of movement to develop a prevention Strategy

Why did they fail?• Oversaturation of Observatories in the region

• No other similar initiatives

• Donor funding ran out

• Mismanagement of funding, rushed approach and no proper plan

• Lack of buy-in / use by countries and other actors

• Lack of political interest

• Too broad

• Rushed process of scaling up to national level, no impact

• High turn-over, poor transfer of skills

Are there any success stories?

Observatório de Segurança Pública de Canoas, Brazil – Municipal

• It is a priority for municipal officials, seen as the ‘holy grail’•Government focus on evidence-base

• Solid/ multi-agency partnership• Key position• Integrated and important mission• Regular meetings• Data collected crucial for police work and municipal policies• Urban security issue to national action

Re-think our success factors -> Hidden / indirect successes

+ Use of data to enhance research, project proposals, community awareness campaigns -> Becomes a means to build capacity within the country and influence change

+ Discourse change - Government interest in evidence-based, results-led policymaking

+ Strong networks - Complex web of interconnections with government departments, NGOs, research/data centers

+ New forms of communication across actors – Dialogue

+ Observatory taking the role of a coordinating body

+ Rise of prevention Strategies

Thank you

For more information on ICPC and the upcoming

4th International Observatories meeting in Colombia,

please visit the ICPC website:http://www.crime-prevention-intl.org