The emphasis on problem-oriented and community policing in Australia over the past decade has been designed to change the focus from the traditional crime fighting role of the police to crime prevention. Various manifestations of crime prevention, as they have been embraced by the police, are described. Reasons why crime prevention policies have been affected by difficulties inherent in their conceptualization, implementation, and evaluation are noted. Following a discussion of the police role in crime prevention, problem-oriented policing, and community policing, the author suggests a crime prevention agenda for the future that allocates crime prevention responsibilities to both public and private organizations. He contends that there may be some crime prevention functions the police should completely avoid, and the preferred option may be for the police to ensure that other agencies and groups, such as health care providers, schools, town planners, and families, take responsibility. 70 references