AC3.2 - Describe the contribution of agencies to achieving social control

Question 1

What does Environmental design contribute to achieve social control

Answer 1

• What a neighbourhood looks like and how it is designed in order to lower crime
• CPTED suggests crime happens due to opportunities caused by physical environment and if environments are changed then crime should decrease
• Crime can be reduced by CCTV, open spaces with strong lighting, no blind spots, low level bushes and surveillance
• Gated lanes are installed in alleyways to stop burglars from being able to gain access to properties

Question 2

What does Prison design contribute to achieve social control

Answer 2

• Traditional design = Panopticon shape (all seeing)
• Means all prisoners can be seen at all times whilst them knowing they are being watched as well as them not being able to communicate with one another
• Supermax jails = Prisoners being segregated by the crime they committed and their risk factor
• New UK prisons have created smaller divisions for easier management of prisoners
• Norway have a more laid back approach with a modern design and have free moment throughout the prison

Question 3

What does Behavioural tactics contribute to achieve social control

Answer 3

• Used to alter someone behaviour so they are more socially compliant
• ASBOs were introduced to limit and correct low level anti-social behaviour
• CBOs are now used for anti-social offenders who have committed crimes that have caused alarm and distress
• If you have one of these orders you will be banned from taking part in certain activities/ going to certain places and they therefore have to go to behaviour programmes in an attempt to change their behaviour
• Token economies are used to control behaviour as prisons reward prisoners for desired good behaviour and they are punished for undesirable behaviours

Question 4

What does Institutional tactics contribute to achieve social control

Answer 4

• Prisons have their own set of rules that should be followed
• If you cause damage to the prison, ignore instructions given by officers, or threaten/attack someone then you would be breaking the rules
• When rules are broken punishments including cautions, privileges being taken, extended prison time and being confined to your cell will be given

Question 5

What does Gaps in state prison contribute to achieve social control

Answer 5

• Unreported crime: police can only detect crimes that are reported (dark figure of crime)
• If a crime is not reported then it can not be punished which can lead to further crimes being committed
• Domestic violence and white-collar crime are both two of the most unreported crimes
• Budget cuts to the police means that they do not have the resources nor enough police officers to deal with reports collectively
• Laws that are implemented that impact other laws (e.g. Terrorists unable to be deported due to Human Rights Legislation)