Pre-Crime Society: Crime, Culture and Control in the Ultramodern Age

Pre-crime society uses information technology strategies and techniques to achieve hyper-securitization, but at the cost of criminalizing everyday life, justice functioning as an algorithmic industry, and punishment administered through dataveillance regimes. This book explores relevant theories, developing technologies, and institutional practices and proposes new directions in crime control policy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 534 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2021
Publisher: Bristol University Press

In today's world, we find ourselves living in a pre-crime society, where advanced information technology strategies and techniques are employed to achieve an unprecedented level of security. These strategies include predictive policing, actuarial justice, and surveillance penology, all aimed at ensuring hyper-securitization. However, it is important to note that this pursuit of security comes at a significant cost. The criminalization of everyday life becomes inevitable, as justice becomes an algorithmic industry and punishment is administered through dataveillance regimes.

This groundbreaking book delves into relevant theories, emerging technologies, and institutional practices to shed light on how the pre-crime society operates in the 'ultramodern age of digital reality construction.' It examines the cultural and political implications of pre-crime and proposes innovative approaches to crime control policy.

The authors argue that the pre-crime society operates by leveraging advanced technologies and data analysis to predict and prevent potential crimes before they occur. This approach is based on the belief that by identifying patterns and behaviors that indicate criminal intent, law enforcement agencies can intervene early and prevent crimes from taking place.

However, the authors also raise concerns about the implications of this pre-crime approach. They argue that it perpetuates a sense of fear and insecurity among the public, as individuals are constantly monitored and scrutinized based on their past actions and behaviors. This surveillance regime can lead to a loss of privacy and a violation of individual rights.

Furthermore, the authors argue that the pre-crime society operates in a way that reinforces existing power structures and inequalities. They point out that the use of advanced technology and data analysis is often limited to wealthy and powerful individuals, while marginalized communities and individuals who are less likely to engage in criminal behavior are left behind.

To address these concerns, the authors propose new directions in crime control policy. They advocate for a more balanced approach that focuses on prevention, rehabilitation, and community engagement. They suggest that law enforcement agencies should prioritize the prevention of crime by addressing the root causes of social and economic inequality, such as poverty and lack of access to education and healthcare.

Additionally, the authors argue for the development of more transparent and accountable dataveillance regimes. They suggest that individuals should have more control over their personal data and that law enforcement agencies should be held accountable for any misuse or abuse of such data.

In conclusion, the pre-crime society represents a significant shift in the way we approach crime control and security. While it offers the promise of preventing potential crimes, it also raises important concerns about privacy, individual rights, and power structures. By exploring relevant theories, developing technologies, and institutional practices, this book provides valuable insights into how the pre-crime society operates and proposes new directions in crime control policy.

Weight: 942g
Dimension: 209 x 301 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529205251