Training

The EUCPN offers a unique forum for the exchange of prevention initiatives in crime prevention between the EU Member States. An important tool in this regard is the evaluation of these initiatives. Yet, practitioners and policy makers highlight the need for knowledge and skills to carry out robust evaluations and generate evidence-based crime prevention in the European Union.

Therefore, the EUCPN created The Evaluation of Crime Prevention Interventions: A practical manual for trainers and practitioners which is a comprehensive 10.5 hour training course designed for crime prevention practitioners and policymakers. It provides participants with the minimum level of knowledge and skills necessary to understand and conduct evaluations of their crime prevention initiatives. In addition, more complex evaluations are explained and participants are guided to seek external help if necessary. The course consists of eight modules, which focus on six necessary different steps to evaluate crime prevention initiatives:

• Step 1: Theoretical foundation

Module 1 focuses on the theoretical foundations of crime prevention. In this module we explain what crime prevention means according to the broad EUCPN definition and which types of crime prevention there are, followed by a number of concrete examples. This module aims to provide theoretical foundations and forms the basis for the following modules.

• Step 2: Preparing the evaluation

Module 2 focuses on the benefits of evaluation and why is it important to evaluate crime prevention initiatives. This module introduces some key concepts and details the most important steps to take before an evaluation starts.

• Step 3: Choosing the type of evaluation

Module 3 focuses on performing a plan evaluation. Before the initiative is implemented, it is already possible to carry out an evaluation by thinking about goals and plans which are necessary to succeed. This module provides some important guidelines on when to choose for a plan evaluation and how to perform it in practice.

Module 4 focuses on performing a process evaluation. Once the initiative is up and running, you can opt to carry out a process evaluation. This module provides some important guidelines on when to choose a process evaluation and how to perform it in practice.

Module 5 focuses on performing an outcome evaluation. Once the initiative has ended, you can carry out an outcome evaluation. This module provides some important guidelines on when to choose for an outcome evaluation and how to perform it in practice. It also guides you through the process of choosing an evaluation approach.

• Step 4: Planning the evaluation

Module 6 focuses on the concrete planning and budgeting of the evaluation. This module provides some concrete guidelines on how to develop a systematic planning and how to budget and resource for the evaluation.

• Step 5: Performing the evaluation

Module 7 focuses on data collection methods. This module provides an overview of relevant data sources and data collection methods for evaluation. Concrete guidelines on how to collect data are presented.

• Step 6: Communicating and presenting results

Module 8 focuses on communicating the results of the evaluation. This module will provide guidelines on how to communicate the results to an internal or external audience and which communication channels can be used.

In other words, participants will obtain a complete overview on how to evaluate a (crime) prevention project. The focus will be on real-life experiences with existing projects, in order to make the training as relevant as possible. The training on the Evaluation of Crime Prevention Interventions is embedded in a larger evidence-based strategy. If you would like to know more about the content, dissemination or how to participate and/or organise this training in your own country, contact the EUCPN Secretariat.