Designing an Optimal Model for the Role of Civil Society in Crime Prevention within the Iranian Criminal Justice System

Abstract

The present study aims to design an optimal model for the role of civil society in crime prevention within the Iranian criminal justice system. To address this issue, a qualitative research strategy utilizing thematic analysis was employed. The research data were collected through semi-standardized interviews with 12 experts in the fields of criminal law and criminology, who were selected using theoretical sampling. The data were analyzed through thematic network analysis, and a conceptual network measurement model was constructed. The findings from the qualitative research indicated that the design of an optimal model for the role of civil society in crime prevention within the Iranian criminal justice system includes the overarching theme of: 1) External strategies, which encompass updating and resolving legal and regulatory issues, adopting preventive criminal policy, addressing implementation problems, strengthening the position of civil society, enhancing social capital within the community, promoting public education and awareness, and resolving socio-economic issues; and 2) Internal strategies, which consist of applying knowledge management in crime prevention and strengthening the structure and management of civil society institutions. Additionally, to validate the constructed themes and model, two methods were used: the communicative validation approach and the auditing method. For reliability assessment, two methods were employed: repeatability and transferability.