Postcrime

Postcrime is a term used in criminology and related fields to describe the phase following a criminal incident. It encompasses the consequences for victims and communities, the processes of investigation and prosecution, and the broader social, economic, and policy responses aimed at remediation and risk reduction. The concept is often contrasted with precrime and crime-prevention perspectives, focusing instead on what happens after a crime has occurred.

In postcrime analysis, researchers examine the range of impacts that extend beyond the immediate criminal act. This includes physical injuries and property loss, psychological and emotional distress, economic costs, and disruptions to family and work life. Social effects—such as damaged trust in institutions, heightened fear of crime, and changes in community cohesion—are also central concerns. Understanding these outcomes helps inform victim support services, restorative justice initiatives, and policies designed to lessen long-term harm and facilitate community recovery.

Responses to postcrime typically involve coordinated actions by law enforcement, the judiciary, social services, and community organizations. Victim assistance programs, counseling, and financial aid are common elements, while legal processes aim to address accountability and deterrence. Restorative justice practices and community rebuilding efforts can be part of postcrime strategies, emphasizing repair of harm and reintegration rather than punishment alone. Data collection and impact assessments in the postcrime period support policy evaluation and resource allocation.

Terminology around postcrime is not universally standardized. Some scholars emphasize the postcrime phase as distinct from crime prevention or precrime planning, while others use it to describe the broad aftermath and remediation efforts following any criminal event.