What the CEP stands for

Crime Reduction through Social Inclusion

The CEP believes that a society built on the principles of social inclusion provides the best protection for communities from the harm and distress caused by crime. All the countries of Europe face the challenge of achieving this at a time of social and cultural change.

The CEP is an organisation, which brings together a unique, Europe wide, network of experts who have practical experience of what is effective in securing the protection and safety of communities through the social inclusion of offenders.

Evidence from empirical research affirms that community based programmes are more effective in preventing offending than those provided in institutions. The social exclusion of offenders through incarceration reduces the chances of their effective re-integration and increases the risk of their reoffending.

The social inclusion of offenders requires that they accept personal responsibility to take steps to stop offending and to make reparation. It also requires a response from the community, which recognises a mutual responsibility.

Community sanctions and measures provide rigorous and constructive alternatives to imprisonment.

The CEP identifies the key elements required to achieve the social inclusion of offenders as:

• accurate assessment of the risk of reoffending and of what can be done to reduce that risk
• work with offenders focussed on the causes of their offending and on their taking responsibility for personal change
• affirmation of the values of mutual responsibility and respect
• an approach responsive to the circumstances of different offenders, particularly those from minority groups
• programmes aimed at reducing the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol and drugs
• provision of social support through housing, education and leisure activities
• help to find and keep employment
• opportunities to make reparation either directly to victims or broadly through community service
• consistent enforcement of the obligations entered into by offenders.

19 February 1999