Beyond Deterrence: Strategies of Focus and Fairness

• In Event: Beyond Deterrence: Strategies of Focus and Fairness

Abstract

Focused deterrence has emerged as an important framework for addressing particular substantive crime problems and resetting the structure and function of core criminal justice institutions. A new thread in deterrence theory and practice, focused deterrence has also emerged more broadly as a school of thought on crime prevention and a label for a growing set of particular interventions aimed at homicide, gun offending, drug markets, domestic violence, prison safety, drunk driving, and probation system reform. A set of principles has emerged as the backbone of that school of thought, and most focused deterrence interventions go beyond strict deterrence action to: focus on a small number of standout offenders; focus on particular public safety problems; alter the application of legal structures to create certainty and swiftness for target offenses; mobilize informal social control; mobilize social services; work in alignment with the principles of procedural justice and legitimacy; and communicate directly with potential offenders to convey risks, norms, opportunities, and legitimacy. This paper addresses each of these elements; assesses the evidence base regarding impact; and suggests that the role of legitimacy, procedural justice, social service supports, and community engagement is a profound component of the strategy in both theory and practice.

Authors

• Mark A. R. Kleiman, NYU/Marron Institute of Urban Management

• David M Kennedy, The Graduate Center, John Jay College / CUNY

• Anthony Braga, Northeastern University