Crime prevention in the UK and US often uses coercive preventive measures aimed at individuals who demonstrate a high level of crime propensity. Coercive preventive measures are used in order to prevent the initial involvement in crime, suppress criminal actions and reduce re-offending. The article suggests classification of these measures based on the criteria of timing of these measures. It concludes with the discussion of the distinction between the institute of coercive preventive measures and punishment. Analysis of the jurisprudence of the ECHR as well as the doctrine developed by the US Supreme Court points to the fact that it is a difficult task do draw the line between these two types of measures.