Despite living in an era of decreasing crime rates, Canadians express concern over crime and push politicians to respond in increasingly punitive ways. Canadians also express little confidence in our justice system. The result is that our response to crime can be both disproportionate and ineffective.

In her latest book, sociologist Diane Crocker challenges the popular perception that crime in Canada is on the rise and argues that public opinion is becoming a bigger barrier to achieving justice than the actual extent of crime. Using the most current data available, her research reveals how we can better assess the effectiveness of crime control policies, as well as our own responses to crime, while promoting democratic values such as equity and accountability.

Crime in Canada evaluates the criminal justice system's responses to crime-what works and what does not-and proposes solutions for moving forward.

Diane Crocker is professor of criminology at Saint Mary's Univeristy.

Diane Crocker's profile page