*effectiveness of police/governments/courts in dealing with crime

Question 1

One reason why the government is effective when dealing with crime is that changes in the law have helped in some instances

Answer 1

This is because certain levels of crime have decreased due to the changes in legislation.

For example, harsher penalties for knife crime in Scotland have led to a reduction in this type of crime.

Question 2

one reason why the government is ineffective when dealing with crime is that people are being given short prison sentences.

Answer 2

This is because the Scottish Government instructed courts to hand out fewer short-term prison sentences.

However, high numbers of short-term prison sentences are still handed out by sheriffs who believe that alternative sentences are not appropriate for the types of crimes involved.

Question 3

one reason why the police is effective in dealing with crime is that they use intervention strategies in schools.

Answer 3

This is because the police want to educate pupils about the dangers of getting involved with crime and stop young people getting involved in the first place.

In some areas, the police will help organise youth activities that will keep young people away from crime or gangs.

Question 4

one reason why the police are ineffective when dealing with crime is their sometimes poor responses to crimes reported to them.

Answer 4

This is because after the merger of the old 8 forces into Police Scotland, some local control rooms were shut down.

This meant people dealing with the calls did not have local knowledge so officers were sometimes sent to the wrong address.

Question 5

one reason why the criminal courts are effective in dealing with crime is that they are able to give out suitable punishments

Answer 5

This is because the three different types of courts have different sentencing powers.

For example, the High Court can impose an unlimited fine and a life sentence in comparison to the Justice of the Peace court which has lesser powers. This is effective as people who commit serious crimes are suitably punished.

Question 6

one reason why the criminal courts are ineffective in dealing with crime is that they continue to hand out short prison sentences.

Answer 6

This is because shorter prison sentences don’t work as they are not long enough for people to participate in rehabilitation programmes.

Once released, offenders may find it difficult to get jobs due to their criminal record and may commit more crimes.