The barrier model is deployed to map a complex form of crime in a transparent manner. It identifies the steps criminals have to take to be able to commit a crime. The model also highlights which parties and opportunities make the crime possible. This makes it possible to determine which barriers can be erected, by public and private partners, to effectively disrupt the work of the criminals. The barrier model can also be applied when mapping out potential abuses in a business process.
The barrier model is a method to determine which barriers the partner organisations can set up against criminal activities. For every component of production, transport, sales, etc., it is reviewed which partner is in the best position to prevent criminal organisations or persons from abusing legal structures. The different barriers imply several signals where government agencies, companies, persons, come into contact with a certain crime phenomena and can notify the authorities
The barrier model provides focus in the investigation procedure and helps to look at criminal practices from an administrative and financial perspective. By applying the barrier model, many government departments have realized that they must play a role in combating serious and organised crime.