Category: Latest News

Safety in Tramway Networks: An International Perspective to Inform Public Action 

Across the world, tramway networks face complex safety and insecurity-related issues that directly influence social acceptability, ridership, and the success of public transport projects. In this context, the ICPC publishes an international literature review offering a rigorous and comparative analysis of safety and crime prevention issues.

This International Literature Review on Safety Issues in Tramway Networks is based on an in-depth analysis of scientific research and practices observed internationally. It highlights that safety in tramway networks is not limited to recorded crime but is embedded in a broader set of conditions related to network organization, urban environments, and social interactions that shape users’ sense of insecurity. 

The report examines crimes against property, assaults, threats and harassment, as well as incivilities and social disorder, while emphasizing the central role of perceived safety in network use. It also proposes an analytical framework structured around three dimensions of urban transport safety (personal, organizational, and contextual) to better understand the dynamics shaping safety outcomes.

By documenting key contributions from international research, this review provides a reference analytical framework to better understand the mechanisms shaping actual safety and the sense of insecurity, and to inform public policy discussions and analyses related to prevention and governance in tramway networks.

This review is fully aligned with the ICPC’s mission to advance internationally comparable knowledge and support a shared understanding of safety and prevention issues in public transport.

Read the full report (in French) >

For additional information, contact info@cipc‑icpc.org.

Ahuntsic‑Cartierville: A Detailed Data‑Driven Crime Portrait (2018–2022)

The ICPC releases a new data‑driven portrait dedicated to the borough of Ahuntsic‑Cartierville, in Montréal. Based on police data from the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR 2.2) program, compiled by the ministère de la Sécurité publique du Québec (Québec Ministry of Public Security), this report analyzes 18,272 documented criminal incidents between 2018 and 2022, of which 72% are property‑related crimes and 28% crimes against persons. 

The statistical portrait provides a detailed overview of crimes against persons and property. It describes their evolution, their distribution across lived environments, and the profiles of those involved. The analysis also highlights the importance of relational and private contexts, particularly in situations of violence committed against someone close to the victim. This spatial perspective identifies the areas with significant trends and clarifies the structuring role of private spaces in the occurrence of several forms of violence.

The portrait aims to support strategic reflections and decision‑making by municipal, institutional, and community actors engaged in urban safety, by providing robust, contextualized, and directly actionable data.

Read the full report (in French)

For additional information, contact info@cipc‑icpc.org.

Statistical Portrait of Crime in 2024 in the Greater Montréal Area

The ICPC is releasing a statistical portrait of crime in 2024 for the Greater Montréal Area. Based on verified police data from the ministère de la Sécurité publique du Québec (Québec Ministry of Public Security) through the Uniform Crime Reporting Program (DUC 2.2), this document aims to inform and support decision‑making by municipal, community, and institutional stakeholders as they work to align policies and interventions with local territorial and social realities.

Produced with the support of the ministère de la Sécurité publique du Québec (Québec Ministry of Public Security) and the City of Montréal, the report provides an assessment of crime against the person as well as property crime for the year 2024, and places these results within a multi‑year trend perspective covering 2018 to 2024.

This quantitative analysis focuses on crime against the person (offences that can cause death, sexual offences, assault, offences involving deprivation of liberty, threats, acts of violence, and offences related to procuring and the purchase of sexual services) as well as property crime (arson, breaking and entering, theft, possession of stolen goods, fraud, and mischief).

In 2024, the agglomeration recorded 85,710 criminal incidents, of which property crime accounted for 66% (56,159 incidents) and crime against the person for 34% (29,551 incidents). The corresponding rates were 28 per 1,000 inhabitants (property) and 14.7 per 1,000 (violent).

Several key findings can be drawn from the analysis:

  • Diverging trends. Since 2018, crime against the person has risen by 60.2%, with assault remaining the predominant category in 2024. In contrast, property crime increased overall during the period, with a marked increase of 34.7% between 2021 and 2023, followed by a 10.4% decrease in 2024 compared with 2023.
  • Spatial analysis. Certain sectors characterized by high urban mobility and a diversity of uses show higher rates. Interpreting these results requires a nuanced approach that incorporates daily movement patterns and the high level of activity generated by major transport hubs and leisure areas. In this context, and given the importance of mobility patterns, the relationship between population‑level risk factors and the number of recorded incidents in these sectors must be interpreted with care.
  • Living environments. The majority of crime against the person occurs in private spaces, with 47.7% of incidents recorded in these settings, including 38.8% primarily in dwelling units. In contrast, property crime is concentrated in open public spaces (44.7%), and 28.1% of incidents take place on public roadways.

Read the full report (in French)

For additional information, contact info@cipc‑icpc.org.

Advancing local action in crime prevention

On January 28, 2026, in Lévis (Quebec, Canada), the ICPC took part in a meeting of the Community of Practice of the Fonds bâtir des communautés sécuritaires (FBCS), a public funding program in Quebec that supports local crime prevention initiatives. The meeting aligned with the city’s Territorial Urban Safety Action Plan, ensuring coherence between technical exchanges and locally established priorities. 

What we accomplished on the ground 

We met with institutional, community, school, and municipal stakeholders in the City of Lévis to review progress on FBCS‑related actions, clarify roles and responsibilities, and align interventions with the Territorial Urban Safety Action Plan. We also continued our evaluation mandate for an FBCS‑supported program, ensuring the next steps remain consistent with local priorities. 

What this means for prevention 

This participation helped apply data‑informed practices and improve day‑to‑day coordination among local stakeholders—two conditions that support sustained crime‑prevention outcomes. This work aligns with the ICPC’s mission to strengthen local capacities and inform decision‑making with context‑specific tools. The discussions highlighted as well that FBCS‑supported initiatives gain traction when grounded in collaboration and anchored in daily living settings.

We are grateful to our partners in Lévis for welcoming Solal Holtz and Marie‑Pier Allard‑Caron during this visit. 

ICPC Strengthens Collaboration to Prevent the Sexual Exploitation of Minors at TACMES Day 2025

A Strategic Meeting for Prevention 

On December 9, 2025, the International Centre for the Prevention of Crime took part in TACMES Day 2025, organized by the Table de concertation contre l’exploitation sexuelle des mineurs (TACMES) at the Centre des mémoires montréalaises (MEM) in Montreal. This event brought together community organizations, practitioners, researchers, and institutional partners to strengthen intersectoral ties, promote knowledge sharing, and develop common tools for the prevention and intervention against the sexual exploitation of minors. 

Clear and Ambitious Objectives 

The day pursued several complementary objectives: 

  • Share experiences and innovative practices among TACMES members; 
  • Strengthen a common vision focused on the well-being, dignity, and rights of young people; 
  • Support the development of collective tools by and for intervention sectors; 
  • Deepen reflections on priority issues, including sexual and gender diversity and the realities of Indigenous communities. 

A Dynamic and Collaborative Format 

The morning session, facilitated by Dynamo, created a relational framework conducive to dialogue through activities of recognition, gratitude, and collective reflection on shared values. The afternoon, led by TACMES members, was dedicated to project presentations, group discussions, and the launch of new tools. 

ICPC’s Active Role 

ICPC’s participation reflects its commitment to actively contributing to TACMES’ collective work. Discussions identified several potential areas of collaboration: 

  • Sharing best practices, including innovative prevention approaches; 
  • Supporting the development and evaluation of joint projects; 
  • Strengthening networking among stakeholders and cooperative work; 
  • Integrating young people’s voices and ensuring their well-being in all initiatives. 

A Dynamic Driving Transformation 

TACMES Day 2025 reaffirmed TACMES’ central role as a safe, inclusive, and mobilizing space, capable of bringing stakeholders together around a common vision based on respect, dignity, and the well-being of young people. For ICPC, this participation was a strategic opportunity to strengthen ties with community and institutional sectors, enrich its reflections on violence prevention, and contribute to collaborative dynamics that foster lasting transformations.

A training coordinated by the ICPC to strengthen trust between youth and police 

On December 2, 2025, the RÉSAL-Réseau d’échange et de soutien aux actions locales (Local Action Exchange and Support Network) held its final capacity-building activity of the year, funded by Prévention Montréal (City of Montreal). This event, coordinated by the ICPC, was the second edition of a training initially offered last October. The session, held at the Centre St-Pierre in Montreal, focused on the theme “Youth and Police: Understanding and Reducing Cycles of Distrust” with the expertise of Mr. Victor Armony, Full Professor at UQAM and researcher at CRIDAQ.

A space for dialogue and reflection

Aimed at youth workers, educators, community workers, outreach workers, and professionals working on crime prevention issues, the session addressed persistent tensions between young people and the police. Some participants highlighted challenges related to resource availability and the adaptation of tools to the realities of youth. They expressed an urgent need for institutional and political support to better assist young people.

Key Findings That Stand Out

Discussions revealed several cross-cutting issues:

  • Widespread Distrust: A single negative interaction with the police can undo months of relationship-building with youth. Participants emphasized that young people feel underrepresented and lack confidence in institutions, fueling a sense of exclusion. This lack of trust does not only affect youth; it also extends to professionals, who sometimes encounter difficulties in collaborating effectively between institutions. 
  • Bias and Stereotypes: Certain institutional practices and incomplete data contribute to disproportionately targeting specific neighborhoods or communities. In practical terms, this means that youth from racialized or disadvantaged backgrounds are more closely monitored than others, reinforcing stereotypes and creating an atmosphere of suspicion. 
  • Invisible Violence: These are not physical acts but include microaggressions (small gestures or comments that demean), ambiguous relationships between youth and institutions, and double victimization. For example, when a discrimination complaint is ignored or minimized, causing the victim to suffer a second injustice. Such situations undermine trust, particularly among racialized young women. 
  • Lack of Adapted Tools: current systems do not always meet the realities of youth. Participants noted the absence of spaces where young people can express themselves, such as youth committees in certain boroughs. This gap limits their ability to voice needs and develop critical thinking. 
  • Disconnect Between Police and Communities: Many officers lack a deep understanding of local dynamics, which widens social and cultural gaps. Participants emphasized the need for collaboration without hierarchy among stakeholders: police, schools, community organizations, and social workers working side by side.
  • Fragmented Institutional Language: Misunderstandings around terms like “prevention” or “risk” complicate coordination. For example, what the police consider “prevention” may differ from how a community organization interprets it, leading to inconsistent interventions.

These findings show that distrust stems from a combination of individual, institutional, and structural factors. 

Moving Forward 

The training identified concrete steps: strengthen inter-institutional coordination, create spaces for youth participation, develop adapted tools, and train stakeholders to recognize their biases. Participants emphasized the need for “shared language” and a systemic understanding of relationships between institutions. 

ICPC’s Strong Commitment 

This session wraps up RÉSAL’s 2024–2025 training series, designed to equip local stakeholders with tools to tackle complex challenges around youth violence. For the ICPC, these initiatives are key to building local capacity and encouraging collaborative, community-driven solutions.

From mistrust to dialogue: essential training session from RÉSAL, coordinated by ICPC

As part of the development of capacity-building activities for the Réseau d’échange et de soutien aux actions locales (RÉSAL) for the fall of 2025, ICPC, as a coordinating member, organized an in-person training session on October 15.

Funded by the City of Montreal’s Prévention Montréal programme, this event focused on ‘Youth and the police: overcoming mistrust, building trust.’ It was delivered by Victor Armony, Professor in the Department of Sociology at UQAM | Université du Québec à Montréal and researcher at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Diversity and Democracy.

At the heart of the training:

✔ Questioning the dynamics of trust

✔ Exploring current challenges and avenues for change

✔ Reaffirming the importance of including young people in any discussion about safety and living together

Why did this training session make a difference?

It is an important step towards approaching issues in a more humane and inclusive manner, rooted in local realities. Trust cannot be decreed; it must be built through listening, respect and a shared future.

We warmly thank Victor Armony and all the participants for their stimulating discussions and insightful reflections!

The ICPC Strengthens Its Ties at Coalition Pozé Events

In November, the ICPC took part in two major events organized by its partner, Coalition Pozé: the pre-forum “Paroles de terrain” (Voices from the Field) and the INTERVENTUM Gala. Our colleagues, Tatiana Smirnova, Analyst and Project Officer, and Solal Holtz, Analyst, actively contributed to both events. They exchanged on prevention practices and helped highlight the work of key actors committed to violence prevention and social cohesion in Montréal.

A Pre-Forum to Co-Create Solutions and Strengthen Local Solidarity

On November 6, at the Maison du développement durable, the “Paroles de terrain” pre-forum brought together practitioners, educators, researchers, youth, and local community members. Together, they identified approaches that can help reduce tensions between neighbourhoods and foster more supportive, harmonious living environments.

This pre-forum is the first step in a broader process to strengthen solidarity between organizations and enhance local collaboration on issues affecting youth. It lays the groundwork for a shared reflection on how to support more cohesive and safer environments.

A Gala to Celebrate Key Actors in Prevention and Youth Support

On November 11, the INTERVENTUM Gala highlighted the essential work of practitioners supporting vulnerable youth. In this first edition, 30 award recipients were recognized for their commitment and innovative initiatives. The event was an opportunity to highlight the vital work of frontline professionals whose efforts directly support youth well-being, safety, and social cohesion.

The participation of our colleagues in these events also reaffirms the ICPC’s role as a key player in prevention and multisectoral dialogue in Montréal.

Photos - Left: Youth at the INTERVENTUM Gala (11 November). Right: Members of the Pozé Coalition Board of Directors (11 November).

Ann Champoux at the First International Congress on Reintegration and Prevention in Juvenile Criminal Justice

Ann Champoux as keynote speaker

On October 30 and 31, 2025, Ann Champoux, Director General of the International Centre for the Prevention of Crime (ICPC), took part in the First International Congress on Reintegration and Prevention in Juvenile Criminal Justice, held at the Fox Centre in San Francisco del Rincón, Guanajuato, Mexico. 

This mission marked Ms. Champoux’s first visit to Mexico as Executive Director of the ICPC. She was accompanied by Mr. Oscar Figueroa, Strategic Consultant for Latin America, who regularly represents the ICPC at various events and conferences across the region. 

Invited to deliver the opening address, Ms. Champoux joined more than 1,200 participants from nine countries across the Americas and beyond. Her participation reflected the ICPC’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in crime prevention and juvenile justice.

A meaningful experience both professionally and personally

Visit of a rehabilitation centre (in the middle, Ann Champoux and Oscar Figueroa)

 

In her remarks, Ms. Champoux emphasized the importance of early prevention, community support, and international collaboration to help young people in conflict with the law reintegrate into society.

“This topic resonates deeply with me, both as Executive Director of the ICPC and as a mother,” she said.

 

 


Inspiring Action and Building Lasting Partnerships

Moved by the strong participation of university students, Ms. Champoux expressed hope that her message would encourage the next generation to continue their efforts in preventing youth delinquency and promoting safer communities. She also highlighted the quality of strategic meetings and discussions held alongside the congress, which could lead to future collaborations across the region.

Empowering the next generation of crime prevention leaders

Expanding the ICPC’s reach

This first mission to Mexico helped raise awareness of the ICPC’s mission and expertise among new partners, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting local initiatives in Mexico and throughout Latin America.

“We share a common goal: to build more humane and inclusive public policies for safer communities,” concluded Ann Champoux.

This participation marks an important milestone for the ICPC in developing lasting partnerships and strengthening its network across Latin America. 

[New Release] ICPC publishes four new reports on crime in Montréal

ICPC presents four new reports on crime in the Greater Montréal Area. These analyses offer key data to better understand local realities and strengthen crime prevention strategies. 

The publication of these reports was made possible with the support of the ministère de la Sécurité publique du Québec (Québec Ministry of Public Security) and the City of Montréal. 

Read the full press release