The Problem with Crime Problem-Solving: Towards a Second Generation Pop?

Abstract

In his 2018 Stockholm prize winner lecture, Goldstein highlighted the need for problem-oriented policing (POP) to be not only effective but also fair. Contributing to the development of POP, this study examines how a wider perspective on problem-solving generally, and scoping in particular, can be adopted to address some of the growing challenges in 21st century policing. We demonstrate that the concept of ‘problem’ was too narrowly defined and that, as a result, many problem-solving models found in criminology are ill-structured to minimize the negative side-effects of interventions and deliver broader benefits. Problem-solving concepts and models are compared across disciplines and recommendations are made to improve POP, drawing on examples in architecture, conservation science, industrial ecology and ethics.

An integrated approach to tackling wildlife crime: Impact and lessons learned from the world's largest targeted manta ray fishery

“…(2) A species protection strategy aimed to create perceived net negative incentives for non‐compliance. Strategy design drew from problem‐oriented wildlife protection and situational crime prevention (Borrion et al, 2019; Cohen & Felson, 1979; Cornish & Clarke, 2003; Goldstein, 1979; Lemieux & Pickles, 2018; Petrossian, 2015), plus other examples of compliance management in conservation (Arias, 2015; Arias et al, 2016; Arias, Cinner, Jones, & Pressey, 2015; Keane et al, 2008; Travers, Archer, et al, 2019). Activities included overt site‐based marine patrolling, community‐based monitoring, covert monitoring of illegal trade, and arrest and prosecution of major illegal traders.…”

Measuring the resilience of criminogenic ecosystems to global disruption: A case-study of COVID-19 in China

“…The former include metrics related to the topological features of a system as well as metrics related to traffic flow and system capacity such as travel time, throughput, and congestion. In the public safety domain, crime incidence (number of crimes) or the amount of harm (e.g., financial loss, environmental damage) caused by these events can serve as functionality metrics [47].…”

Using Crime Script Analysis to Understand the Illegal Harvesting of Live Corals: Case Studies From Indonesia and Fiji

“…In Table 1, possible interventions are indicated for each step of the coral harvesting and trade process. The suggested interventions aim to reduce crime in ways that do not produce negative ecological or social consequences while balancing the needs of relevant stakeholders (Borrion et al, 2019). The majority of recommended strategies would need to be implemented in the source countries.…”