Media reports of people murdered by individuals with serious mental health problems have caused a sense of moral panic in the United Kingdom. The government proposes greater powers of compulsory treatment and detention for such individuals. These proposals have been widely criticized by mental health professionals and civil libertarians. The government, however, argues that community care for the most seriously and potentially dangerous individuals has failed. Its insistence upon compulsory detention and treatment is one further example of a drift towards increasing security-minded surveillance of difficult groups. This surveillance is predicated not on a caring basis where risks can be effectively managed but on exclusionary and compulsory means. In contrast, Madison, WI operates a successful system of community care. There, even the most seriously ill individuals are frequently treated in the community so that they can exercise their civil rights to enjoy as normal and independent a life as possible. The Madison Model of Community-Based Risk Management provides assertive outreach and continuing treatment for high-risk clients. The goal is to meet clients’ needs for food, clothing, and accommodations and then to prepare them for subsequent mental health treatment. This is seen as an effective way of managing risk and providing public security. Figure, references