Verified Document

Crime Prevention, Robinson States "Rational Choice Deterrence Essay

¶ … Crime Prevention, Robinson states "Rational choice deterrence theories related theories understand criminal justice -- including crime control crime prevention activities police, courts, corrections -- reduce crime society" (2012). Rational choice and deterrence theories

The rational choice theory of crime is intimately related to the concept of the deterrence theory of crime. Rational choice models suggest that all human beings are inherently rational creatures, capable of making reasonable, utilitarian decisions based upon a weighing of pros and cons. A rational actor, in other words, will decide not to commit a crime if the potential costs outweigh the potential benefits. Swiftness and certainty of the punishment for the crime will deter persons from offending. The theory also presumes that "people will engage in criminal and deviant activities if they do not fear apprehension and punishment. Norms, laws, and enforcement are to be designed and implemented to produce and maintain the image that 'negative' and disruptive behaviors will receive attention and punishment" (Keel 2005). For example, rational choice theory would suggest that people are unlikely...

People will not hurt others if they know that the criminal justice system will imprison or execute them, given the potential benefits they can accrue from such actions are minimal.
However, if punishments are not uniformly or regularly applied, people are more likely to take chances. Someone might refuse to pay to have a taxi take them home if they know there is never a drunk driving 'stop' on the roads they take on their journey. Also if punishments are not severe, a proverbial 'slap on the wrist' (like merely giving warnings rather than violations for speeding), then people are more likely to offend. The rational choice theory does not take into consideration other factors, such as emotions, human psychology, and sociological conditions like the hopelessness of poverty into its calculus which might cause persons to make irrational decisions that do not objectively seem to be in their best interests.

Q2. The problem analysis triangle

The problem analysis triangle is particularly effective in analyzing crime because it takes into consideration multiple…

Sources used in this document:
References

Keel, R. (2005). Rational choice and deterrence theory. Sociology 200. Retrieved:

http://www.umsl.edu/~keelr/200/ratchoc.html

The problem analysis triangle. (2013). Center for Problem-Oriented Policing. Retrieved:

http://www.popcenter.org/about/?p=triangle
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Crime Prevention Anything That Defies the Laws
Words: 956 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

Crime Prevention Anything that defies the laws and is accountable for punishment forms into a criminal activity with the nature of crime. Crime features harm and violence, to people, to laws, to properties overall showing denial to the existence of these entities. Crime as stated by the judiciary laws must be contrary to the limitations set by the laws and must pose harmful situation to present of future occurring events. Crime

Crime Prevention and Control -
Words: 4816 Length: 17 Document Type: Term Paper

But an open system of prevention could be the alternative. It would subject the court or legislature to closer and public scrutiny (Robinson). President Lyndon Johnson's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice was viewed as the single and most influential postwar American criminal justice policy (Coles and Kelling 1999). Its wisdom, contained the policy's main report, "The Challenge of Crime in a Free Society, published in 1967, swiftly

Crime Prevention and Community Safety Key Issues
Words: 1444 Length: 3 Document Type: Essay

Crime Prevention and Community Safety Key issues in crime prevention and community safety The recent focus on crime prevention is a very delightful movement within the law enforcement arena. Traditionally crime prevention has been viewed as an unnecessary appendage to its more robust siblings within the system of law enforcement and justice (Community-based 2010). While the importance of crime prevention has been recognized, the implementation of successful strategies has been beset by

Crime Prevention, Design Most of
Words: 1658 Length: 6 Document Type: Term Paper

Also, other intervening variables, such as the expansion of the American economy, reduced crime in other parts of the city, and age cohort factors related to crime decrease, most likely also play a role in the positive observed. However, other things have to be taken into consideration when considering the value of such community environmental changes. The first is a much improved mindset by the residents, who are no longer

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Words: 3201 Length: 10 Document Type: Term Paper

Project Timeline Finalize all preliminary building design element and prepare for submission to the City Planning Division, Aviation Division, and Mayor's Office Schedule an informational meeting for all stakeholders to unveil the plans Due date to submit commentary on the new designs and to provide any suggestions or concerns Meet with key stakeholders to discuss results of public hearing and submissions. Discuss these changes and decide what to do with them. Submit designs for approval

Crime Prevention -- Digital Gaming What Role
Words: 1103 Length: 3 Document Type: Annotated Bibliography

Crime Prevention -- Digital Gaming What role does digital video gaming play in crime, delinquency or other forms of antisocial behavior? American Psychological Association (2011, August 29). Playing highly competitive video games may lead to aggressive behavior. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 15, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com- / releases/2011/08/110829114714.htm. In a unique twist of methodologies, the American Psychological Association added credibility to an interesting study done by several advanced degree students where were looking at

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now