The author takes a broad look at recent shifts in approaches to crime control, in particular the adoption of ‘intelligence‐led’ policing strategies, information‐sharing between agencies, and risk assessment and risk management. Such approaches — which can be understood within the general framework of the growth of ‘risk societies’ ‐ are now evident at all levels, from transnational operations against organised crime, to local initiatives against persistent property offenders and even ‘anti‐social behaviour’. Focusing mainly on Britain, the author outlines recent developments and raises key issues arising from them. The issues discussed include rights, liberties and accountability; integrity and ethics; choices of targets; ‘effectiveness'; and the extent to which policy has been translated into practice ‘on the ground’.