New report finds increased access to VET reduces crime rates

A recent study by the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research has found a link between an increase in Vocational Education and Training (VET) enrolments and a drop in Victoria’s crime rate.

The report titled Vocational Education and Training: A Pathway to the Straight and Narrow, found that a significant increase in VET enrolments between 2010 and 2013 coincided with a drop in crime rates. During these years, VET participation in Victoria rose 75 per cent, while the drug crime rate fell 12.8 per cent. Property crime was also reduced, falling 11.3 per cent, as did assaults (down 4.5 per cent).

The effects were most notable for those aged 26 to 34, with the report highlighting the increased likelihood for this age group to use VET to pursue legitimate job opportunities, when compared to those aged 16 to 25.

It is estimated that for every dollar spent on expanded VET participation, the community saved 18 cents in avoided crime costs.

The surge in VET enrolments came after a demand-driven funding model was introduced in Victoria in mid-2009, allowing students to use a voucher to enrol in their course of choice. The results were compared to New South Wales, which experienced largely unchanged crime rates and VET enrolments during the period.