Mysteriet med trygghetsarbete - En studie av samverkan inom det trygghetsskapande och brottsförebyggande fältet

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to increase the understanding of fear of crime and crime prevention work. We look at how the conceptual confusion manifests itself and examine recurring themes.The thesis is based on an empirical example in the form of a collaborative project called “Effektiv Samordning för Trygghet” in a Swedish medium-sized municipality. The analysis is based on documents that act as guidelines for collaborative work within prevention of crime and fear of crime. In addition to the documents, observations and interviews with key informants were made. The results show that the conceptual confusion about “(o)trygghet” is extensive and appears everywhere. Both preventing crime and fear of crime are complex phenomena. This leads to that the goal and purpose of the collaborative work within fear of crime is not well-defined and does not go well with the governing documents´ purpose. There is a constant demand for more scientific knowledge and evidence-based efforts. Despite this, no one knows what the evidence really says or what they should do if crime policy and science contradicts each other. Collaboration is always seen as the solution and often as the only solution. The documents constantly refer to the fact that collaboration is the way to go in order to achieve their goals. The informants also gave collaboration an elevated position, but it takes more than good cooperation to be able to achieve results in working within preventing crime and fear of crime.