The Best of Three Worlds: more effective policing by a problem-oriented approach of hot crimes, hot spots, hot shots, and hot groups

Abstract

Further to a remarkable development in reported crime in the period 2002–2008 – namely a substantial decrease in 2002–2006 followed by an increase in 2006–2008 – the Haaglanden police department in The Netherlands conducted an in-depth study of possible explanations. The outcome of the study is that precisely the quality and quantity of police and safety management must have been of decisive influence. By instituting a combination of intelligence-led policing, problem-oriented policing, and community policing – The Best of Three Worlds – the Haaglanden police department believe they will considerably increase the level of situational prevention and the (expected) chance of being caught in the next few years. This could enhance the effectiveness of the approach to crime and insecurity.