RT Article
T1 Unpacking preventive policing: Towards a holistic framework
JF International journal of police science & management
VO 25
IS 2
SP 196
OP 207
A1 Ellefsen, Hjørdis Birgitte
A2 Bjørkelo, Brita
A2 Sunde, Inger Marie
A2 Fyfe, Nicholas R. 1962-
LA English
YR 2023
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1845471261
AB Assuming that society is better off if the harm caused by crime – including the costs entailed by the investigation, prosecution and punishment – can be avoided, the proactive approach of preventive policing (PP) is generally promoted and understood as a good and effective solution. In this article, we unpack the concept of PP by analysing how it has been understood and practised across time and space, and find that the ‘preventive turn’ and current aspirations for a police service with a ‘preventative mindset’ seem to require a return to a police role that might be incompatible with the liberal and democratic ideals of today. We argue for the need for a holistic approach and outline six key elements for an overarching theoretical framework that is sensitive to the fundamental challenges of the ‘preventive turn’. This includes arguing for the need for an awareness of how the problems that are to be prevented are defined; how preventative interventions are directed; what role the police and other actors should play; how underlying rationalities and logics may affect the understanding, implementation and outcome of PP; how effects and consequences can be measured; and the need for legal and ethical limitations and guidelines.
K1 transdisciplinary approach
K1 preventive turn
K1 police role
K1 holistic framework
K1 Preventive policing
DO 10.1177/14613557231163403