Current Developments in Implementation Research

Research has made progress in identifying “what works” in crime prevention. As communities and organizations have attempted to make use of evidence-based interventions, it has become clear that knowing WHAT to do is insufficient. A new science of implementation has emerged that focuses on HOW prevention is supported so that prevention practices can be used as intended to produce desired effects. Using time worn approaches to implementation with new reforms will lead to predictable results (5% to 15% uptake, for a while). Implementation science offers a new view of “the problem” and of “the solution” in crime prevention.