class 9 - Choice Theory Flashcards
What does it mean to say “violence is not an instrumental crime”?
It means violence is typically not committed solely to obtain a specific good or benefit (unlike selling narcotics to make money). Violence often involves factors like anger, revenge, or disputes rather than a direct financial or material gain.
What are instrumental crimes?
These are illegal activities—such as the sale of narcotics—committed to acquire desired goods or outcomes that are not otherwise obtainable through legitimate means.
How do violent criminals select their targets?
They are often selective, choosing specific targets based on perceived vulnerability, personal grievances, or situations that increase the likelihood of achieving their goal (e.g., revenge or intimidation).
In what ways can violence involve rational thought?
Even if the act is violent, there can be planning or motive behind it—such as revenge, provocation, or settling a disagreement—which suggests some degree of rationality in choosing when and how to commit the act
What examples illustrate “rational” motives behind violence?
Seeking revenge for a perceived wrong, responding to provocation, or trying to resolve a dispute can all be underpinned by thought processes aimed at a specific outcome, indicating a rational component.
How does “legitimate/conventional means” contrast with instrumental crime?
Legitimate/conventional means involve obtaining goods or resolving disputes through lawful, socially approved channels (e.g., working for money), whereas instrumental crimes bypass these legitimate routes.
Why might it be misleading to label all violence as “irrational”?
Some violent acts are planned or calculated, reflecting a degree of logical thought—such as choosing a time, place, or target to achieve a goal—rather than purely impulsive or mindless behavior.
What is situational crime prevention?
A strategy that denies motivated offenders access to suitable targets by improving home security and increasing capable guardianship.
What are examples of situational crime prevention methods?
Strengthening home security, increasing surveillance, and creating environmental barriers to crime.
What are some issues with situational crime prevention?
The effects may wear off over time (extinction), and crime may simply be displaced to other areas.
What is general deterrence?
A strategy aimed at making potential offenders fear the consequences of crime through harsh punishments and aggressive policing.
What are examples of general deterrence strategies?
Mandatory sentences, aggressive policing tactics, and increased fines for criminal activities.
What are the issues with general deterrence?
Criminals may not always fear punishment, and the certainty of arrest or punishment may be low, reducing its effectiveness.
What is specific deterrence?
A strategy that punishes known offenders to prevent them from committing future crimes, aiming to reduce recidivism.
What are examples of specific deterrence strategies?
Harsher prison sentences, large fines, and direct punishment of repeat offenders.
What are some issues with specific deterrence?
It may actually increase the likelihood of re-offending rather than deterring future crimes.
What is incapacitation as a crime control strategy?
Removing offenders from society by incarcerating them, keeping them off the streets.
What are examples of incapacitation strategies?
Long prison sentences and increasing the number of incarcerated individuals.
What are some issues with incapacitation?
Non-dangerous offenders may be locked up, and it is an expensive strategy for crime control.
What is situational crime prevention?
A strategy that makes committing crimes less desirable by reducing opportunities and increasing the difficulty of committing offenses.
What makes criminal acts less likely to occur?
Potential targets are carefully guarded
The means to commit crime are controlled
Potential offenders are monitored
What is “defensible space” in crime prevention?
Crime prevention achieved by modifying the environment to reduce criminal opportunities.
What does CPTED stand for?
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.
How does CPTED help prevent crime?
By designing environments that naturally discourage crime, such as using lighting, surveillance, and spatial design to make crime more difficult.
