Unpacking preventive policing: Towards a holistic framework
| Published date | 01 June 2023 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/14613557231163403 |
| Date | 01 June 2023 |
| Subject Matter | Original Research Articles |
Unpacking preventive policing:
Towards a holistic framework
Hjørdis Birgitte Ellefsen
Norwegian Police University College, Norway
Brita Bjørkelo
Norwegian Police University College, Norway
Inger Marie Sunde
Norwegian Police University College, Norway
Nicholas R. Fyfe
Robert Gordon University, UK
Abstract
Assuming that society is better off if the harm caused by crime –including the costs entailed by the investigation, pros-
ecution 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 over-
arching 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.
Keywords
Preventive policing, holistic framework, police role, preventive turn, transdisciplinary approach
Submitted 18 Oct 2022, Revise received 20 Feb 2023, accepted 24 Feb 2023
Introduction
‘All societies try to stop bad things happening’, and conse-
quently, Freeman (1999: 233) observes, prevention oper-
ates at a deep level of cultural order or common sense.
But although the general case for prevention is unarguable
(‘prevention is better than cure’), specific proposals for pre-
vention may be more contentious. Preventive interventions
might be deemed disproportionate to the risk faced; they
might be unjust and not consistent with equality and fair-
ness; they could also be ineffective, too costly and impact
negatively on trust and civil liberties. So, although the
Corresponding author:
Hjørdis Birgitte Ellefsen, Research, Norwegian Police University College,
Slemdalsveien 5, Oslo 0369, Norway.
Email: birell@phs.no
Original Research Article
International Journal of
Police Science & Management
2023, Vol. 25(2) 196–207
© The Author(s) 2023
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DOI: 10.1177/14613557231163403
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