Economic Development and Production Issue, Crime, and Policing: Global Perspectives Edited by Frederic Lemieux, Garth den Heyer, and Dilip K. Das New York, Routledge, 2014, pp. 364. ISBN 9780429255571

The Economic Development, Crime, and Policing: Global Perspectives, edited by Frederic Lemieux, Garth den Heyer, and Dilip K. Das, offers a comprehensive exploration of the interconnections between economic development, crime trends, and policing strategies across the globe. This volume, derived from discussions at the 22nd Annual Meeting of the International Police Executive Symposium at the United Nations Plaza in New York in 2012, provides a critical examination of how economic shifts influence crime rates and how policing methods adapt to these changes. Through its diverse chapters, the book weaves together theoretical and practical perspectives, making it a valuable resource for academics, law enforcement professionals, and policymakers alike.

The editors begin by situating the reader in the context of global economic recessions, arguing that these downturns often precipitate significant shifts in criminal behavior. Economic crises exacerbate existing social vulnerabilities, creating fertile grounds for increased criminal activities. For example, the book underscores how unemployment and reduced social safety nets lead to heightened property crimes, thefts, and other economically motivated offenses. The authors argue that understanding these dynamics requires a nuanced analysis of macroeconomic policies and their direct and indirect effects on communities, particularly those already marginalized. This theme sets the stage for subsequent chapters, which delve into how these trends manifest differently across nations and regions.

One of the critical discussions revolves around the transformation from traditional crimes to sophisticated, networked crimes in a globalized world. Globalization has brought about significant technological advancements, but it has also facilitated new forms of criminal activities. Cybercrimes, including identity theft, cyber espionage, and ransomware attacks, are now among the most pressing challenges for law enforcement. The book provides case studies illustrating how global connectivity has enabled criminal networks to operate across borders with unprecedented ease. The editors highlight the need for international collaboration in policing, suggesting that conventional approaches are often insufficient to address these complex threats. A noteworthy case discussed is the role of cyber espionage in geopolitical conflicts, emphasizing how economic development is sometimes hindered by state-sponsored cyberattacks targeting infrastructure and intellectual property.

The historical evolution of policing, particularly in the USA, forms another focal point of the book. It traces the journey from early community-based models to the contemporary emphasis on militarized policing and technology-driven surveillance. This shift, the book argues, reflects broader sociopolitical changes, including urbanization, industrialization, and changing public expectations of safety and security. Community policing, a model celebrated for its potential to foster trust and collaboration between police and the public, is critically examined. The editors argue that while community policing offers significant benefits, its implementation often falls short due to resource constraints, lack of training, and resistance within law enforcement institutions. This critique is supported by examples where community engagement initiatives have failed to produce meaningful outcomes, highlighting the gap between theory and practice in policing.

Restorative justice emerges as an alternative framework to traditional punitive measures. The book discusses the principles of restorative justice, which emphasize repairing harm and restoring relationships rather than merely punishing offenders. Through various case studies, the authors demonstrate how restorative practices can be more effective in addressing certain types of crimes, particularly those involving youth offenders. For instance, programs in New Zealand and Canada are cited as examples of successful restorative justice interventions that have reduced recidivism and fostered community cohesion. However, the book does not shy away from addressing the challenges of these approaches, including cultural resistance and the difficulty of scaling such initiatives in larger, more complex justice systems.

Organized crime and gang violence are given significant attention, with specific focus on the challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling these issues. A compelling case study examines gang suppression strategies in British Columbia, Canada. The authors detail the multifaceted nature of organized crime, which often intersects with drug trafficking, human trafficking, and financial crimes. The book argues that traditional enforcement strategies, such as zero-tolerance policies and mass arrests, often fail to address the root causes of gang activity. Instead, it advocates for a more holistic approach that includes community engagement, social intervention programs, and addressing systemic inequalities that contribute to gang recruitment.

The book also examines the nexus between economic development and urban safety, with a chapter dedicated to traffic management and road safety in India, specifically in Hyderabad. The authors explore how rapid urbanization and economic growth have led to increased vehicular traffic, posing significant challenges for policing. They argue that traffic safety should be viewed not merely as an administrative concern but as a public health issue intertwined with broader governance and planning frameworks. The discussion extends to how corruption and inefficiencies in law enforcement exacerbate these problems, calling for systemic reforms to enhance accountability and effectiveness.

Post-conflict policing is another critical theme addressed in the book. Using examples from Kosovo and South Africa, the authors explore the complexities of rebuilding law enforcement institutions in societies emerging from conflict. These chapters highlight the dual challenges of restoring public trust while establishing functional policing systems in environments often characterized by weak governance and pervasive corruption. Anti-corruption initiatives and youth crime prevention strategies are presented as crucial components of successful post-conflict policing. The book emphasizes the importance of international support and capacity-building programs, while also critiquing the often top-down approaches that fail to engage local communities in meaningful ways.

Training and education for law enforcement professionals are discussed in detail, with a focus on aligning training programs with real-world expectations. The book argues that traditional police training often emphasizes technical skills while neglecting the broader social and psychological aspects of policing. The editors call for a more comprehensive approach to training that includes modules on ethics, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement. Additionally, the book highlights the potential of research collaborations between police and academic institutions to foster evidence-based practices. Such partnerships are portrayed as essential for developing innovative solutions to contemporary policing challenges, from predictive analytics to the use of non-lethal technologies.

The overarching theme of the book is the interconnectedness of economic development, governance, and law enforcement. The authors argue that economic policies and governance structures significantly shape the social contexts within which crimes occur and are addressed. For instance, austerity measures implemented in response to economic crises often lead to reduced funding for social services and law enforcement, creating conditions for increased crime and diminished police effectiveness. The book advocates for a more integrated approach to policymaking that considers the ripple effects of economic decisions on public safety and justice systems.

Through its multidisciplinary lens, the book successfully bridges the gap between academic research and practical applications in policing. Each chapter is enriched with case studies, statistical analyses, and theoretical insights, providing a nuanced understanding of the topics discussed. However, the book is not without its limitations. Some chapters could have delved deeper into the intersectionality of factors such as race, gender, and class in shaping crime and policing outcomes. Additionally, while the global scope of the book is commendable, certain regions, particularly those in the Global South, are underrepresented in the discussions.

In conclusion, Economic Development and Production Issue, Crime, and Policing: Global Perspectives is a thought-provoking and timely contribution to the field of criminology and law enforcement studies. It offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between economic factors, crime, and policing, while also challenging readers to think critically about the future of public safety in an increasingly interconnected world. The book’s emphasis on evidence-based practices and international collaboration makes it an indispensable resource for those seeking to understand and address the evolving challenges of crime and policing in the twenty-first century.