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The economics of pre-crime interventions

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  • Peter Wijck

Abstract

Several observers suggest that we may have undergone a shift from a post-crime to a pre-crime society in which the principal focus has become the pursuit of security by anticipating and forestalling future harms, rather than responding retrospectively to harms that have actually happened. This paper is about the economics of pre-crime interventions. It investigates the welfare consequences of risk assessment and early interventions to prevent individuals from engaging in criminal activities. Furthermore, it deals with the question of what constitutes an optimal application of risk assessment and early intervention. Finally, it presents three rules of thumb to identify conditions where pre-crime intervention may be welfare enhancing. Copyright The Author(s) 2013

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Wijck, 2013. "The economics of pre-crime interventions," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 35(3), pages 441-458, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:ejlwec:v:35:y:2013:i:3:p:441-458
    DOI: 10.1007/s10657-011-9229-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Risk Assessment; Early Intervention; K42;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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