Anti-Crime Programs: An Evaluation of the Plan Comuna Segura

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact that the anti-crime program Comuna Segura: Compromiso 100 had on the reporting rate of different types of crimes. This program implemented in Chile from 2001 was very much criticized, and therefore was eliminated in the year 2006. This report provides robust statistical evidence, using the impact assessment methodology, which shows that the program was successful in increasing the reporting rate of certain types of crimes in targeted municipalities, and also in decreasing the crimes associated with other crimes, such as rape. All this underlines the importance of carrying out formal impact assessments in order to determine the benefits associated with a particular program.