Crime, social exclusion and policing in the twenty-first century

This article considers the policy implications of an excluded underclass for policing in the twenty-first century. It examines debates about urban poverty and policing in the context of the British New Labour government's Crime and Disorder Act and of the work of the Social Exclusion Unit. The current government is emphasising the importance of 'joined-up' approaches to address poverty, social exclusion, crime and disorder. Consequently, the police are required to work with various other agencies to address these problems. However, it is unlikely that the police will be able to resolve them, for three reasons. First, the resources dedicated to achieving the work are finite. Second, under the influence of managerialism the police are required to demonstrate that they are performing their tasks effectively, economically and efficiently. Finally, this has resulted in a fundamental reorientation of the role of the police, particularly the prioritisation of crimefighting above peacekeeping, which may antagonise poor communities and accentuate the problems of poverty, crime and disorder. Copyright © 2000 Perpetuity Press Ltd.