Criminology & Crime Prevention

Question 1

Why do people commit crime..?

Answer 1

• Poverty
• Inequality
• “Nature”
• Environment

Question 2

What do you know about Crime Recording..?

Answer 2

They have improved since 2000,
due to the Simmons Report.

Since 2002 we use the National Crime Recording Standards, & the crime survey of England & Wales.

The National Statistics Office is still unsure of the accuracy of Police reported figures.

Question 3

What is Consensual Legitimacy..?

As stated by Reiner, 2000

Answer 3

Consensual Legitimacy is gained through the support of the people and communities being policed.

It reflects the democratic aspect of policing within a liberal democracy.

Consent is vital to police legitimacy and neighbourhood policing emphasises it’s importance.

Question 4

Name 10 basic principles of crime prevention.

Answer 4

1️⃣ Target Hardening (better locks).
2️⃣ Target Removal (dash-cam’s).
3️⃣ Remove the means to commit crime.
4️⃣ Reduce the ‘pay off’ (empty till)
5️⃣ Access Control (security cards)
6️⃣ Visibility/Surveillance (guard)
7️⃣ Environment Design
8️⃣ Rule Setting (wear ID badges)
9️⃣ Increase the chance of being caught (visible cctv, publicise success)
🔟 Deflect offenders (re-educate/support)

Question 5

What is the definition of a “victim” ?

Answer 5

One that has suffered harm
including physical, mental or emotional harm or
economic loss
directly caused by a criminal offence.

A close relative of someone whose death was directly caused by a criminal offence.

Question 6

What are the 2 Criminological Theories..?

Answer 6

Classicism & Positivisim

Question 7

One of the criminological theories is Classicism, what does the theory state?

Answer 7

Classicism:
Studies the offence.

States the offender will be acting of their own free will, rational & calculating.

And.. that the punishment should be proportionate to the offence.

Question 8

One of the criminological theories is Positivism, what does the theory state?

Answer 8

Studies the offender.
States the offender will be determined by their biological &/or physical influences.

And… that the treatment (as opposed to punishment) should be individual, depending on the circumstances.

Question 9

Routine Activity Theory (RAT)

States there needs to be 3 factors for a crime to occur - what are they?

Answer 9

1️⃣ A Target
2️⃣ A Motivated Offender
3️⃣ The Absence of a Guardian

Question 10

Routine Activity Theory (RAT) states the offender prefers items that are “CRAVED” - explain the mnemonic….

Answer 10

C concealable 
R removable
A available 
V valuable 
E enjoyable 
D disposable