Citation

Hutter BM. Br. J. Criminol. 1986; 26(2): 114-128.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, Publisher Oxford University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper examines the significance of proactive enforcement strategies in the regulation of business and industry in England and Wales. Attention is paid to the way in which regulatory agencies mobilise their resources proactively and the nature of the routine visits they undertake. In response to those who criticise such strategies, it is argued that regulatory officials undertake a multiplicity of roles and activities during these visits, ranging from the pragmatic to the symbolic. While proactive work may seem mundane it can prove vital to developing a working relationship between the enforcement official and the regulated and to establishing what is, and what is not, normal and acceptable behaviour.