Research & Resource Library
Our Research & Resource Library has evidence-based, non-partisan resources to enhance
youth and community safety nationwide — and strengthen the fabric of our communities.
Our resources center a forward-looking vision of youth and community safety that seeks to stop violence before it happens, address crises with compassion and care, enhance civic life and connectedness, and help all people thrive.
Space, place, & safety: How “built design” investments into communities influence public safety
Extensive research shows that the “built design” or structure of community spaces significantly impacts community safety.
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Reimagining survivor safety: An alternative response to domestic violence
An alternative approach to domestic violence requires policy responses that support survivors at every step.
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Criminalizing Homelessness Can Lead to More Crime
As cities step up their enforcement efforts in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling, they should consider both the financial costs and the public safety ramifications of treating homelessness as a crime.
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Getting smart on safety: Evidence on non-carceral investments that work to prevent violence and harm
This brief presents a short overview of the major programs and community investments that most effectively prevent violence and crime.
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Safe Places & Safe Sleeping: Cost-Effective and Humane Recommendations for Local Leaders after Grants Pass
The recent Grants Pass decision runs the risk of further intertwining municipal homelessness policy with punitive enforcement, a move that could make both homelessness and crime worse nationwide.
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Green spaces & community safety: A primer
Extensive evidence shows that when we invest in trees, parks, and other changes to our community spaces, we can dramatically improve safety — while making our neighborhoods healthier, more beautiful, and more welcoming.
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Fact sheet: Policy solutions on retail theft
This brief provides an overview of retail theft and offers real, safety-focused solutions.
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Youth safety that works: Evidence-informed investments for keeping youth & communities safe
This issue brief presents policy recommendations on how evidence-based investments can best address carjacking incidents while keeping youth and communities safe.
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A new community safety blueprint: How the federal government can address violence and harm through a public health approach
This report offers a summary of the investments that most effectively create safe communities, as well as policy recommendations for how Congress can harness this evidence.
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Retail theft in US cities: Separating fact from fiction
From California to Capitol Hill, concerns over shoplifting have captured public attention across the United States and fueled momentum to further criminalize retail theft.
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A roadmap to community safety: A guide for state lawmakers
This co-authored guide explains how state lawmakers can begin implementing community safety programs and policies.
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A roadmap to community safety: A guide for local lawmakers
This co-authored guide explains how local lawmakers can begin implementing community safety programs and policies.
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