AICrime reduction matters

No. 21: The 'whole of government' approach to crime prevention

ISSN 1448-1383
9 March 2004

• View the paper (HTML)
• PDF print version (PDF 112kB)

Abstract

The 'whole of government' approach to crime prevention is an example of a more general shift in public administration away from a command and control mode of governance and towards governance through multiple stakeholders working together to deliver integrated solutions to social problems across sectors and tiers of government. There is a common emphasis on the 'whole of government' approach in crime prevention because the causes of crime are complex and multi-faceted. Successful crime prevention action requires the coordinated effort of many agencies in partnership with community and business groups. This paper summarises areas where existing processes may need to be changed, or at least adapted, in order to successfully implement a 'whole of government' program. A strong and responsive crime prevention agency is essential to guide this process.