Dr Irvin Waller was the guest speaker at my dinner last Thursday night.  As an international specialist in the field of crime prevention, Dr Waller referred to proven research to reduce crime rates.  The most effective approach in addressing crime is through programs that offer education, youth development, improvement in living standards and prevention of violence against women.  Dr Waller also strongly holds to the need for victim support, empowerment and representation, particularly through court proceedings. He explained that the least effective and most expensive method of reducing crime is by putting more people in the prison system.