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In the United States and Canada, community readiness and mobilization strategies have been increasingly adopted by communities since the mid-1990s to address social issues, prevent crime, and improve cohesiveness among citizens. These pro-active and adaptable models allow the community and its members to identify the criminal, social or even health issues impacting them, and devise a plan to address problems on a broad level.

Such strategies also allow unique populations, including Indigenous communities, to tailor interventions to their particular needs, such as cultural and traditional learning.

Public Safety Canada provides national leadership in crime prevention by developing and disseminating practical knowledge on cost-effective programs and practices which address known risk and protective factors. The following research highlights provide guidelines that are complementary to the federal role of knowledge dissemination. By strengthening community readiness and mobilization, crime prevention efforts are strengthened. Furthermore, assessing community readiness and engaging partners are central steps at the pre-implementation phase.

A well-planned and defined pre-implementation phase increases the probability of adequate program rollout as well as the chance of achieving the desired positive outcomes for participants.