About us

Our Structure

In Germany, crime prevention is the responsibility of all three levels of government (Federal, State and Municipal). Due to the constitutional principle of subsidiarity, the role of non-governmental organizations and local communities has precedence over activities at the state- or federal level. To coordinate these efforts, crime prevention councils have been established in many municipalities and most states. State crime prevention councils support and advise local crime prevention bodies and networks, disseminate scientific findings and practical experience concerning crime prevention, analyze crime trends and advise the government on issues of crime policy and interdepartmental cooperation in this field.

The Crime Prevention Council of Lower Saxony presently has some 250 member organizations, its secretariat is part of the Department of Justice. Several of its projects are funded in the context of a framework-partnership with the European Commission, additional support is provided by the Federal Government and foundations such as the Klosterkammer Hannover. 

Board of Directors

The chairperson; 6 representatives of members: 3 from municipal bodies and 3 from non-governmental organizations operating statewide, a representative of the State Chancellery; 4 representatives of Lower Saxony Government Departments: Department of the Interior, Department for Social Affairs, Department of Education, Department of Justice; and the Executive Director of the CPC Secretariat.

Our Objectives

The Crime Prevention Council of Lower Saxony 

• strengthens crime prevention at the municipal level
• develops concepts and describes the necessary framework for their implementation
• promotes the ensuring and improvement of quality in crime prevention
• offers a platform for the transfer of knowledge and information
• coordinates and supports networking in crime prevention
• cooperates with institutions relevant to crime prevention including those outside Lower Saxony
• imparts competence in prevention
• publicizes the goals, methods, and concepts of societal crime prevention
• encourages the citizens’ involvement in crime prevention

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