Preventing White-Collar Crime

This chapter explores the prevention of crime that is typically committed by people who have money and power. It provides yet another example of where the best crime prevention strategies may be found outside of the criminal justice systemAustralian criminal justice system. While some corporate crimeCorporate crime can be identified as flowing from a rationalRational choice theory, cost-benefit analysis, there is, on the evidence, little deterrenceDeterrence in a criminal law response to aberrant white-collar behaviour. This is often because of the existence of a corporate culture that is impervious to such legal threats. Moreover, the harm has already been done when the criminal justice systemAustralian criminal justice system (and the criminal laws it relies upon) is called upon to intervene. The chapter explores the idea that addressing and shaping the culture of organisations may provide a better option for regulatory control. Finally, the chapter provides suggestions about how best to encourage corporate and business attitudes, behaviours, and incentives such that criminal conduct is less likely to occur.