Security is a major daily concern for countries in the North as well as those in the South, even if the problems differ from one region to another. Recent riots and urban violence in France have brought the issue to the forefront of international attention. A key priority is to make prevention a long-term action, by sustaining and consolidating achievements in the area. Experience has shown that everyday security depends on global and sustainable policies. These policies will only be fully effective if they are based on general confidence among inhabitants, notably in deprived areas, and among residents: businesses, public services, elected representatives.  During ICPC’s recent Annual Colloquium, various participants – elected officials, police officers, community representatives etc…- underscored the need for prevention tools for safety diagnosis, training, methods of intervention and prevention models.  One of the major issues today, notably in countries of the South, is to ensure equal access to security, and to reject limited security in poor neighbourhoods yet strong safety measures using private services in rich neighbourhoods.

ICPC – In your new position as Director General of ICPC, in what ways do you expect to address these challenges?

ICPC was established to provide assistance to actors at all levels, and implement prevention policies and practices. ICPC has the relevant tools: best practice guides, methodological guides, training, and technical assistance…My previous responsibilities have helped me realize the importance of exchange at the international level as a means of enriching debates, opening up new opportunities, and going beyond "internal debates".  Many issues are currently raised, including: how to integrate community "integration models" and "equality models"? How to improve public confidence and trust in the police? How to involve the private sector in prevention within a global framework of action not limited to private security? International organizations such as the United Nations and related programmes as well as as the World Bank and regional development banks need to support violence prevention initiatives which is the foundation of economic and social development.

ICPC – When we think of the international role of organizations such as ICPC, we understand the importance of international standards, which are the goals that each country must strive for, while at the same time respecting the distinctiveness of each country. What do you think is the role of international reflection on security and prevention?

International standards, such as the UN Guidelines for Prevention which were adopted in 2002, and in which ICPC contributed have a consensual basis. Each country, region and province has its own history and culture. Imposing the same model everywhere just because it was operational in a specific country would fail to respect the identity of each nation and be ineffective. The main objective of ICPC is to promote prevention around the world and assist decision-makers and other actors in the process by giving them access to analysis at the international level and allowing them to benefit from the variety of ideas and experiences on the ground in all countries.

 

Cities have a key role to play even if their resources vary from one country to another. Cities are able to address the daily concerns of citizens and larger ones have specifically established administrative bodies for this purpose. Everyday security is the result of the interaction between a number of factors at the local level.  Two years ago, ICPC launched a City Exchange Network among French-speaking cities, to encourage the exchange of international experiences. I hope that we will be able to launch an exchange programme for English and Spanish-speaking cities very soon.

ICPC - What do you think are the main challenges for ICPC over the next few years?

ICPC must consolidate its international role by enhancing its links to prevention in the field. We have to be present on all continents and reinforce our links and our knowledge with each member of ICPC.

The Center’s identity is unique and multi-faceted at the same time. We have to confront an organization which is very unusual in its operational framework, which involves intergovernmental international organizations, non-governmental organizations and governments in the North and South. This is why the statutes will be revised in 2006.  ICPC is young-11 years old. The first stage of its development was marked by the presence of the energetic Irwin Waller, the first Director General followed by Terence Hunstley. In 2005, with Daniel Sansfaçon and the whole team, and Board members we have worked to define new perspectives of the development of the Centre for the next five years.  ICPC’s Strategic Plan focuses on three main objectives: consolidate its mission as a knowledge base, since information is still scattered and fragmented. We will publish in 2007 the first report on the state of prevention around the world; promote the role of the Center as one of expertise by offering assistance for decision-making, providing training, guides; and develop our technical assistance role to respond to ever-growing prevention needs.