Early childhood programs fight crime and save money

Published on Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Investing in early childhood education reduces crime and incarceration.  In 2001 the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that at-risk children without quality pre-kindergarten were 70% more likely to commit violent crimes as adults and 85% more likely to spend time in prison or jail. Law enforcement leaders took note of this research and began a nation-wide campaign to promote early childhood education programs as a fundamental crime and cost reduction strategy. 


Fight Crime: Invest in Kids is a national anti-crime organization of more than 5,000 police chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors, and other law enforcement leaders. Fight Crime identifies research-based crime prevention strategies and shares the results with policymakers and the public. To prevent crime and incarceration they recommend:

  • High-quality early care and education for children from birth to age five.
  • Parent coaching through home visiting or other research-based approaches.   

See how Fight Crime resources are being used in your state. Visit the Fight Crime website and search for your state.