Ac3.2 - Describe The Contribution Of Agencies In Achieving Social Control Flashcards
1) environmental design
Some criminologists argue that the built environment affects crime level in 2 way:
- by influencing potential offenders - presenting them with the opportunity to crime
- by affecting people’s ability to exercise control over their surroundings
this means they believe agencies such as architects, planners and councils can ‘design crime out’
Oscar Newman
Defensive space VS indefensive spaces
Indefensible spaces
are where crime is more likely to occur, in what he calls ‘confused’ areas of public space such as anonymous walkways and stairwells. They belong to no one, are cared for by no one, and are observed by no one. For example in his study of high-rise blocks in New York, Newman found that 55% of crimes occurred in public spaces such as hallways because no one felt they ‘owned’ them
Defensive space
are areas where there are clear boundaries so it is obvious who has the right to be there. Defensive spaces have low crime rates because of 4 key features - territoriality, safe image, surveillance and protected location
Territoriality
- sense of ownership among residents - they can control it
- certain layouts tell outsiders that areas are for the private use of residents
- cul-de-sacs project a ‘private’ image and encourage a sense of community
Surveillance
- street level residence allow residents to identify and observe strangers
- cul-de-sacs allow residents to overlook each other’s homes
- high rise blocks have concealed entrances
Safe image
- building designs should give the impression of a safe neighbourhood
- unkept areas attract offenders
Safe location
- neighbourhoods located in the middle of a wider crime free area are insulated from the outside world by a ‘moat’ of safety
CR Jeffery’s CPTED:
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
access - territoriality - physical maintenance - order maintenance - surveillance
CR Jeffery’s CPTED:
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Continued
- crime results from opportunities presented by the physical environment
- crime can be reduced by:
Creating open spaces
Lack of hiding spaces
Clear visibility
Further examples:
Name the two
Alice Coleman
Gated lanes
Further examples:
Alice Coleman
In the UK Alice Coleman analysed 4099 blocks of flats in two London boroughs. She concluded that poor designs of many blocks produced higher rates of crime and anti-social behaviour.
Alice Coleman continued
Three features which encourage crime is being anonymous, lack of surveillance and easy escape.
Methods to deter crime:
1. No more blocks to be built
2. Each existing block should have its own garden or private space
3. Overhead walk ways should be removed
For example, on the Lisson Green estate in West London the removal of overhead walkways led to a 50% reduction in crime
Gated lanes - example of CTEP
- gated lanes, also known as gated alleys, is an example of CTEP to ‘design crime out‘ gated lanes are lockable gates installed to prevent offenders gaining access to alleyways etc.
Gated lanes continued
This was supported by:
In a review of 43 studies sidebottom et al found gates reduced burglary rates by, they provide a physical barrier, puts ownership on the residents to close the dates, gating indicated it is a cared for space will not promote the broken windows of crime
Limitations of gated lanes
- in areas where neighbours don’t know or trust each other may be less likely to install gates
- gated lanes can also restrict access for emergency services and waste collectors
CPTED - environmental design
Positive contribution
- promotes a sense of ownership
- Felson’s routine activity theory - explains the importance of ‘capable guardian’ protecting potential crime targets. I.e mutual surveillance by neighbours
CPTED - environmental design
Criticisms of CPTED
- crime may be displaced to another area rather than being prevented
- an area’s reputation rather than design may cause high crime rates
2) prison designs
What are the two prison designs
Panopticon style prison - Jeremy Bentham
Super Max Prison
Panopticon style prison - Jeremy Bentham
- Prisoner’s cells are visible to the guards from the central viewing point
- the prisoners cannot see into the guard’s tower
- prisoner’s know whether or not they are being watched - this leads to self surveillance - prisoners discipline themselves
- an example of panopticon style prison is HMP Pentonville, London
Super max prison
- the most secure levels of custody
- aim is to provide long term, segregated housing for prisoners who represent highest security risks - including those who pose a National or international threat
- a supermax prion costs 2 to 3 times more to build and operate
- example of super max is ADX Florence in Colorado, USA
Bastoy Prison
- Bastøy Prison in Norway is designed as a self-sustaining community emphasizing environmental ethics and human ecology.
- Inmates live in houses shared by 3-4 individuals, work in various roles such as farming, carpentry, and cooking, and contribute to the island’s operations, fostering responsibility and respect for nature and each other.
-This approach has faced criticism from those who believe that serious offenders should endure harsher conditions, arguing that the prison’s environment is too lenient.
-However, supporters highlight its effectiveness, noting Bastøy’s recidivism rate of just 16%, significantly lower than rates in the U.S. and U.K., suggesting that its rehabilitative design better prepares inmates for reintegration into society
3) behavioural tactics
What are the three sections
Anti social behaviour orders (ASBOs)
Criminal behavioural orders
Token economies
- ASBOs
- Anti-social behaviour orders (ASBO’S) was created by Tony Blair to (in 1998) deal with low level offences
- ASBOs are a civil offence not criminal however if a person broke the terms of the ASBO it was criminal offence and punishable for up to 5 years
- however it was clear ASBOs was not working e.g between 2000 to 2013 ASBO’s were issues to over 24000 people but 58% breached the conditions and over 10000 repeatedly breached the terms
- ASBOs can be applied to the labelling theory - self fulfilling prophecy (ASBO became a ‘badge of honour’)
- criminal behavioural orders
To overcome the criticisms of ASBOs, the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 replaced ASBOs with two new measures:
What are they?
