crime prevention

Question 1

What is rational choice theory?

Answer 1

Criminals act based on opportunity. They weigh up the benefits of that particular crime.

Question 2

What does Ron Clarke argue should be done to tackle crime?

Answer 2

“Target hardening” - locking doors and windows and CCTV

Question 3

Give an example of Situational crime prevention:

Answer 3

Felson: Airport bus terminal in NY provided opportunities for crime. The re-shaping of the physical environment reduced criminal activity.

Question 4

Give a counter for Clarke’s theory:

Answer 4

Chaiken - it doesn’t stop crime, it displaces it. Criminals move from hard targets to softer targets.

Question 5

What are is the “broken windows theory”?

Answer 5

Leaving broken windows will give the impression that no one cares.
Police are only concerned with serious crime.
This leads to a spiral of decline within the neighbourhood.

Question 6

What are the two solutions Wilson and Kelling suggest?

Answer 6

Zero tolerant policing and Environmental improvement strategy

Question 7

what is Environmental improvement strategy

Answer 7

Any broken window must be repaired immediately otherwise more crime will follow

Question 8

What is Zero tolerant policing

Answer 8

tackle hard even the slightest of criminal acts.