Is the phenomenon of buying sexual services too complex to be able to counteract?

Abstract: The purchase of sexual services in Sweden is becoming increasingly extensive and requires increased crime prevention resources. The phenomenon is complex and the underlying problem is difficult to define. By means of qualitative interviews with officers within the police authority, this study investigates how the seven police regions in Sweden work to prevent crime against the purchases of sexual services. From a theoretical lens of community policing and implementation theory, the results show how different approaches to prevent purchases of sexual services occurred depending on the conditions. All police regions describe that there is a prevailing lack of resources that negatively affects the crime prevention work in relation to the purchase of sexual services. Moreover, the importance of offering support and help to both buyers and sellers of sexual services emerges as fundamental. This study contributes to an understanding of the need for the police authorities to work on crime prevention based on the implementation process. In order for the crime prevention work to turn into positive aspects, it is necessary that the underlying problem is identified.