Both the French and the Italian Government reacted to the rising fear of crime by introducing more repressive legislation and, especially in France, by insisting on a more effective police force. The results have been positive inasmuch as preoccupation levels have decreased and the feeling that the government is doing something about crime has become more widespread. It is less clear how far the measures taken have led to an actual reduction in crime. The latest crime statistics in both countries show a slight decrease, but critics, especially in Italy, consider recent legislation little more than window dressing. It looks tough, but is ineffective. After a few weeks all is back to normal, illegal immigrants arrive in even greater numbers, prostitutes return to their accustomed spots, and the sale of drugs and counterfeit goods goes on as before. Even the French law on post trial detention will only affect persons convicted after its promulgation and will thus be applicable at the earliest in 15 years. Yet the display of force in Italy has changed; it has sent out a signal that there is a limit to the tolerance of the governments, and once that limit is exceeded, it has the will and the means to restore order. This is probably all that citizens expected, but the question remains whether fear of crime is best assuaged by locking away a growing number of the disreputable, disorderly, or simply different: small time crooks, drug addicts, and unwanted foreigners. More could be achieved by removing the causes of crime, and giving rehabilitation in prison a real chance. References