Pre-Emptive Policing !

 The New South Wales police have a programme to reduce crime that will horrify the civil liberties people, but draw enthusiastic applause from the many who have been the victims of crime.  It is known by the letters  "STMP  "and these stand for " Suspect Target Management Plan. "

It could be described as an exercise in "pre-emptive policing ". The police are now active in stopping crime before it happens and so they collate a slate of people they expect may return to crime and take active steps to see that doesn't happen.

The people who appear on that list have faced court and served whatever punishment ordered and are now released back into the community on parole.. Statistically, there is a good chance that many of them will reoffend by returning to a life of crime.

Police intervention is constant.    They can expect a knock on their door from police who have simply dropped by " for a chat ".  They may be stopped in the street and " frisked " or have their car searched when they are pulled over.  It is a constant reminder that the police are " watching them " and the results are outstanding.  There has been a significant drop in related crime statistics since it has been implemented.

Some would see this as a form of harassment and claim a person convicted and having served their punishment should be left alone, but the programme has increased the imprisonment rate by 46.5% because this intervention has uncovered a log of criminal activity that might otherwise escape detection.

Often those home visits reveal stolen goods in plain sight or the person frisked in the street is dealing illicit drugs. The fact that police can call at any time is a constant curb on criminal behaviour and serves the purpose of making many decide that crime is now simply too dangerous. 

This program has reduced property crime by sixteen percent and that includes the category of " break, enter and steal " that so offends most householders.  The thought of a burglar rifling through your most intimate possessions draws a high degree of anger.  The incidence of discomfort experienced by the   criminal fraternity by this attention is regarded by most people as warranted.

It is particularly effective in turning young people away from crime, but it includes many Aboriginal people because of the itinerant nature of their lifestyle. and this is offensive to Aboriginal elders.  It has long been the aim of society to reduce the crime rate and the STMP plan is doing just that.  Unfortunately it will  come into conflict with the aims of the people jealously guarding our civil liberties and face pressure for serious revision.  

Our courts are there to punish people  for the crimes they commit and the focus is on rehabilitation. In most respects, this STMP programme is part of that rehabilitation.  It may sound drastic, but logic certainly endorses the end result !