Anti-crime Policy: a Paradigm Shift is Needed

The development and implementation of a comprehensive anti-crime state policy should be the subject of special scientific and practical attention. Anti-crime policy is a state policy in the area of combating crime, including criminal policy and social policy with anti-criminogenic potential. In a broad sense, criminological policy coincides with anti-crime social policy and includes so-called general social measures. Studying the problem of anti-crime policy in a broader social context reveals the inadequacy of traditional approaches and, accordingly, the need for a deeper understanding of the subject, taking into account the essential characteristics of both the policy itself and its target — crime. In the area of state intervention in crime, two opposing models are possible, which can be roughly described as “repressive-forceful” and “humane-harmonious.” The first model is traditional. Its essence lies in relying on various forms of state coercion to ensure law-abiding behavior. However, the humane-harmonious model, which focuses primarily on addressing socio-humanitarian issues with the goal of minimizing criminogenic factors, appears historically more promising. In this regard, it seems relevant to develop a concept for a new anti-crime policy more in line with the new socio-political situation and the increased needs of society.