Polisen, idrotten och det brottsförebyggande arbetet med ungdomar

Sammanfattning: The objective of this study was to create an understanding and more knowledge of how law enforcement can use team sports as a method in their work with crime prevention. The study was carried out through interviews with a small number of male athletes with previous experience of crime. Furthermore, the purpose was to investigate whether these male athletes have experienced that team sports has had a crime preventative effect, and if so, in what way. Additionally, the aim was to contribute with more data so that law enforcement together with sport associations can improve sport functions to prevent crime. To attain the objectives of this study, a qualitative research approach has been used. The data was gathered through eight semi-structured interviews, with an interview guide being used to help focusing on the objectives of the study. The result of this study shows that team sports can help prevent crime among children and young people. However, it also confirms earlier research showing that sports might not be able to prevent crime by itself. This study points out the importance for children and young people of having caring and thoughtful people around, having a feeling of belonging to something and to participate in activities such as sports. Furthermore, law enforcement plays an important part in today’s society. This study shows that the encounters between the public and law enforcement are important and that it might have a positive effect on the relationship between children and law enforcement if the encounters not only happened during official matters. Sport practices could be a less dramatic venue between law enforcement and children, which could have significant part in pointing children in the right direction early in life.