Self-Selection Policing introduces and explores an approach for crime
control which seeks to identify active, serious offenders by attending
to the minor offences they commit. A foundation of theory and evidence
is first supplied for the assertion that 'those who do big bad things
also do little bad things'. Original research presented in the book
includes a study of offending by visitors to a prison, and the
concurrent criminality of those committing common driving offences and
failure to produce driving documents as required. It illustrates how
self-selection can complement other police methods of identifying
active, serious criminals by focusing on what offenders do rather than
who they are and what they have done in the past. Concentrating on the
'usual suspects' in the conventional way is often criticised as
harassment and self-selection policing largely bypasses the issue of
fairness this raises.
The book concludes with a call for the consideration, development and
wider adoption of the self-selection approach, and particularly the
identification of other common minor offences which flag concurrent
active criminality. The authors make important suggestions for the
progression of SSP research and practice, including the identification
of barriers to the implementation of the approach in wider police
thinking, practice and policy. Practical guidance is also provided for
those thinking of developing, testing and implementing the approach. In
doing so, the book will be of particular interest for policing
practitioners, as well as students and scholars of policing and crime
control.
