NCJ Number
180924
Journal
Crime Prevention and Community Safety: An International Journal Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: 2000 Pages: 37-49
Date Published
2000
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper critically examines debates about urban poverty and policing in Great Britain in the context of the British New Labor government's Crime and Disorder Act of 1998 and of its Social Exclusion Unit that was established in 1997 in recognition of the need for collaborative approaches to address poverty, social exclusion, crime, and disorder.
Abstract
The current government's emphasis on joined-up approaches to address social problems requires the police to work with various other agencies to address these problems. However, three factors make it unlikely that the police will be able to resolve these social problems. First, the resources dedicated to achieving the work are finite. Second, under the influence of managerialism, the police must demonstrate that they are performing their tasks effectively, economically, and efficiently. Finally, this situation has resulted in a fundamental reorientation of the role of the police, particularly the ranking of crime fighting above that of peacekeeping. This change in priorities may antagonize poor communities and accentuate the problems of poverty, crime, and disorder. 67 reference notes