Reinventing Security: Evaluating the Impact of New Crime Prevention Policies in Liberal Democracies

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

A significant consequence of the shift from the Welfarist to the neoliberal state is the redefinition of “security,” now increasingly centered on crime and public order. In many liberal democracies, this transformation has driven the proliferation of crime prevention measures that surpass traditional law enforcement, addressing fear reduction, social integration, and quality of life. Over recent decades, decentralization processes have placed additional responsibilities on local authorities, especially mayors, who now play an expanded role in shaping security policies. Instruments such as antisocial behavior orders, administrative pacts, and hybrid legal mechanisms exemplify these novel approaches. Yet, despite extensive policy experimentation, robust evidence on their effectiveness remains insufficient. A deeper understanding of the political and institutional factors that inform these interventions is essential for assessing their impact on crime rates and broader social outcomes. Consequently, interdisciplinary research, encompassing political science, criminology, law, and sociology, is crucial to evaluate diverse policy scenarios and contextual nuances. This panel welcomes papers examining the theoretical underpinnings, comparative developments, and empirical evaluations of new security policies. By fostering critical debate, it aims to advance the scholarly conversation on the evolving role of the state in crime prevention and to stimulate innovative perspectives for policy and global practice.

Sub Unit

• Area V. Victimization / 38. Policy and Prevention of Victimization

Individual Presentations

• How to Reduce Crime and Disorder? An Impact Evaluation of the Italian Administrative Orders - Diego Giannone, University of Campania - L. Vanvitelli; Marco Calaresu, University of Sassari; Mauro Tebaldi, University of Sassari; Adriano Cozzolino, University of Campania - L. Vanvitelli; Mirko Nazzari, University of Sassari; Chiara De Micheli, University of Sassari

• Trends, Features and Impacts of Governing‑By‑Order in Italian Cities During COVID‑19 - Adriano Cozzolino, University of Campania - L. Vanvitelli; Diego Giannone, University of Campania - L. Vanvitelli; Mirko Nazzari, University of Sassari

• No Sales After Midnight? Assessing the Effectiveness of the Tenderloin Retail Hours Restriction Pilot Program on Drug-related Crime - Mirko Nazzari, University of Sassari; Marco Calaresu, University of Sassari; Moris Triventi, University of Milan

• Cybersecurity Policies and Local Digital Sovereignty - Mauro Santaniello, University of Salerno

Chairs

• Diego Giannone, University of Campania - L. Vanvitelli

• Marco Calaresu, University of Sassari

Discussant

• Anna Bussu, Edge Hill University