Using the Viable Systems Model to examine multi‐agency arrangements for combatting transnational organised crime

Traditionally, most operational research applications in the area of law enforcement and criminal justice have used quantitative techniques to forecast patterns and levels of offending and to optimise various police, judicial and prison processes. This paper seeks to examine the role that more qualitative modelling approaches might contribute in this important application area. Specifically, the paper examines the role that cybernetic theory and viable systems modelling can contribute in helping government bodies and law enforcement agencies to think through how, organisationally, they can best respond to the increasingly complex problem of transnational organised crime. Focussing on new multi‐agency collaborative arrangements, the paper argues that there is a need for more informed debate that can account for the complexity of the challenge and point towards more holistic and integrated solutions. Against this background, the paper argues that the viable systems modelling approach has much to offer because it is theoretically grounded in the management of complexity; because its flexibility allows it to accommodate the trend for law enforcement agencies to work more closely with partner agencies, and to do so at multiple organisational levels; and because its user‐friendly annotated diagramming conventions allow stakeholders to focus discussion and work towards outcomes that make sense in particular settings.