policy development

Question 1

what is a policy?

Answer 1

-a policy is a method of crime control
-it is designed to reduce crime and reoffending

Question 2

what is formal policy making?

Answer 2

-enforced by the criminal justice system
-prison, death penalty

Question 3

what is informal policy making?

Answer 3

-not enforced by the criminal justice system
-CCTV, better street lighting

Question 4

what are the two biological theories informing policy development?

Answer 4

-eugenics
-death penalty

Question 5

what is eugenics?

Answer 5

-strong link between genetics and criminality
-involves sterilising the criminal population so they cannot reproduce and pass on their criminal genes

Question 6

what are the key ideas of eugenics?

Answer 6

-a set of beliefs or practices that believe we can improve the quality of the human race
-‘selective breeding’
-people are deemed ‘unfit to reproduce’ so they are sterilised
-the idea is that crime has a biological cause and it could be inherited, the policy is then to stop it passing on

Question 7

what is the case example of eugenics?

Answer 7

-Nazi Germany killed 200,000 disabled people and forcibly sterilised twice that number

Question 8

what was eugenics in Britain?

Answer 8

-in the early 1900s, supporters of eugenics called for the government to improve the quality of the human-race through ‘selective parenthood’
-they linked physical and learning disabilities to crime, vagrancy, alcoholism, prostitution and unemployment
-they hoped a eugenic approach could build up the strong and gradually remove the weak

Question 9

what is a weakness of eugenics?

Answer 9

-one weakness is that it ignores other factors causing crime. For example, there are other factors such as environment and upbringing. This is a weakness as it suggests we can’t sterilise if genes are not the only cause.

Question 10

what is another weakness of eugenics?

Answer 10

-another weakness is that it is unethical. For example, Hitler shows the dark consequences of the policy. This is a weakness as it goes against moral and ethical principles, with no clear definition on what is ‘unfit’.

Question 11

what is a strength of eugenics?

Answer 11

-one strength is that it benefits society. For example, it has been found to help in the case of sexual assault. This is a strength as it prevents any further victims, making society safer.

Question 12

what is the death penalty?

Answer 12

-crime is in your biology, therefore to stop crime you should be put to death
-until 1965, the main form of death penalty was to be hung, burnt to death, disembowelling
-Derek Bentley was the death penalty case example

Question 13

when was the death penalty changed?

Answer 13

-The Howard League group decided to campaign and abolish the death penalty in 1969
-the limitations of the policy are:
-faulty evidence
-the moral beliefs of society have changed
-rehabilitation is a better policy
-there was a temporary abolishment in 1965 where murder rates did not rise, so it was permanently abolished

Question 14

what is a strength of the death penalty?

Answer 14

-one strength is that it stops reoffending. For example, once sentenced to death they are no longer able to commit any more crime. This is a strength as it reduces recidivism rates. Therefore, makes society safer.

Question 15

what is another strength of the death penalty?

Answer 15

-another strength is that it gives a sense of justice and closure to the victim. For example, as the offender is being put to death for their crime, it makes the victim feel safer/empowered, they are no longer around. This is a strength as it reduces victims campaigning for further justice.

Question 16

what is a weakness of the death penalty?

Answer 16

-a weakness is that it breaches human rights. For example, one human right states ‘the right to life’, opposing what the death penalty entails. This is a weakness as a lot of people are in support of human rights, and therefore don’t agree with this policy development.

Question 17

what is behaviour modification?

Answer 17

-an approach that aims to reverse criminal behaviour that is learnt through observation and reinforcement
-the policy is to reward desirable behaviours and reinforce those

Question 18

what is a token economy?

Answer 18

-policy involves giving a token to prisoners for each act of ‘good’ behaviour
-this reinforces that behaviour, so is more likely to be repeated in the future
-these tokens can be exchanged by prisoners for a ‘treat’
-this ‘treat’ may be a privilege such as extra visiting time or additional money allowance

Question 19

what is a weakness of token economies?

Answer 19

-one weakness is that they work short term. For example, once criminals leave prison the improvements do not last. This is a weakness because behaviour doesn’t stay improved when tokens are taken away. Therefore, doesn’t decrease crime once they are out.

Question 20

what is another weakness of token economies?

Answer 20

-another weakness is that there are ethical issues regarding the policy. For example, the public and victims may not feel it is right to reward prisoners, it also makes the prisoners open to abuse. This is a weakness because prison officers may withhold some basic human rights like water and basic food needs.

Question 21

what is a strength of token economies?

Answer 21

-one strength is that it can be implemented easily and cheaply. For example, all the resources really needed are the tokens that are given to the prisoners and then the access to the ‘treat’ that is traded in for the token. This is a strength because it is effective for institutions to use without relying on resources.

Question 22

what is cognitive behaviour therapy?

Answer 22

-cause of crime is due to a difficult upbringing which results in destructive patterns and anger
-CBT can be used in prisons to give individuals better ways to think and act
-does not look at past experiences, focus on the way you think in the present
-many types of anger management programmes like ART and ‘think first’

Question 23

what are the various elements of anger management?

Answer 23

1. cognitive=
   -offender is encouraged to reflect on own behaviours and taught to recognise triggers
2. skills=
   -teaches offender range of techniques and skills to enable them to avoid triggers and deal with situations more rationally
3. application=
   -allows offenders to practice their new skills through role play
   -therapist will deliberately provoke them to see how they react

Question 24

what is a weakness of CBT?

Answer 24

-one weakness is that it is unlikely to work for all types of criminals. For example, it seems unlikely anger management could change the behaviour of a non-violent burglar. This is a weakness as there is a limit to the range of crimes that the policy is useful for

Question 25

what is another weakness of CBT?

Answer 25

-another weakness is that the non-completion rates are high. For example, offenders can have turbulent lives and don't commit to the courses. Attendance drops off and the therapy isn't finished. This is a weakness as the offenders are not getting the full benefit of the programme.

Question 26

what is a strength of CBT?

Answer 26

-one strength is that there is evidence that the policy works. For example, those completing the 'think first' programme are 30% less likely to be reconvicted than offenders on a community sentence. This is a strength as the policy has a proven track record and is likely to reduce recidivism.

Question 27

what is psychoanalysis?

Answer 27

-developed by Freud -based on the view that crime occurs because of an imbalance of the subconscious mind -the offender verbalises their thoughts and dreams, for the goal to bring trauma into the conscious mind where it can be dealt with -this will reduce criminal behaviour

Question 28

what is the case study for psychoanalysis?

Answer 28

Oakridge= -Dr Elliot Barker used psychoanalysis to treat violent psychopaths -locked them in a small room for 11 days, where they were kept completely nude and given large amounts of LSD -only food available was sucked through straws in the wall -offenders were 1/3 more likely to commit crime after release than those who didn't receive treatment -patients later sued doctor for torture

Question 29

what is a weakness of psychoanalysis?

Answer 29

-one weakness is that it creates a power imbalance between therapist and client. For example, Dr Elliot Barker locked patients in small room on large amounts of LSD and fed them limited food through straws in the wall. This is a weakness as it raises huge ethical issues, therefore reducing psychoanalysis' validity.

Question 30

what is another weakness of psychoanalysis?

Answer 30

-another weakness is that patients could discover very painful memories that were deliberately repressed. For example, the process brings trauma back into the conscious mind. This is a weakness as it can bring unwanted emotions to the surface, possibly leading to more crime.

Question 31

what is a strength of psychoanalysis?

Answer 31

-one strength is that it works as well as other treatments. For example, Shelder concluded it is just as effective as cognitive behaviour therapy. This is a strength as it has research supporting its effectiveness.

Question 32

what is a penal population?

Answer 32

-when the government attempts to punish offenders in ways that will be popular with the public

Question 33

what do right realists argue linking to penal population?

Answer 33

-we should have more prisons 1. incapacitation= -leaves offenders incapable of harming the public 2. deterrence= -makes people choose not to commit crime because of fear of a custodial sentence

Question 34

how does penal population link to rational choice theory?

Answer 34

-right realists argue we need harsher sentences because criminals weigh up the costs and benefits of offending -if the cost is high, crime will reduce

Question 35

what did the government do to make tougher sentences in 1997?

Answer 35

-mandatory sentences for repeat offences -automatic life sentence for repeat offences -minimum of 3 years for 3rd domestic burgulary

Question 36

is penal populism effective?

Answer 36

-no, penal populism is limited as it doesn't stop incapacitation in prison, shown in the 9800 assaults on staff -ineffective as prisons are overcrowded with 8000 people in 2021, causing burdens on tax payers and leading to more prisons having to be built

Question 37

what is the related case example for penal population?

Answer 37

-John Venables murdered James Bulger -he reoffended throughout his life and was in and out of prison -suggests that prison does not always work well -he was jailed for 2 years after downloading indecent images of children aged 6-13

Question 38

what are the 4 aims of prisons and do they work?

Answer 38

incapacitation= -yes, offenders can't commit crime against the public when in prisons, but could against staff and inmates rehabilitation= -overcrowding and budget cuts mean many prisoners lack access to services (treatment programmes) recidivism= -prison is ineffective in reducing reoffending -47% of released adults are reconvicted in a year deterrence= -right realists believe that prisons act to deter criminals -studies show that the risk of prison does not make offenders stop crime

Question 39

what is zero tolerance policing?

Answer 39

-new right realist thinkers believe traditional family values have declined, leading to increases in crime -ZTP aims to crack down hard on crime and stop it growing -it demands all crimes should be acted on, no matter how trivial

Question 40

how is zero tolerance policing based on broken windows theory?

Answer 40

-if a little crime is not picked up on, the area will become stigmatised and live up to the label, escalating crime.

Question 41

what is a strength of ZTP?

Answer 41

-one strength is that it reduces crime in areas. For example, violent crime has fallen by 38% while robberies are down 23%. This is a strength as it protects the public. Therefore, increasing the validity of zero tolerance policing.

Question 42

what is a weakness of ZTP?

Answer 42

-one weakness is that it ruins relationships between the public and the police. For example, police were frisking pedestrians or drivers considered to be acting suspicious, and then arrested them. This is a weakness as it makes it hard for police to investigate, due to dislike of harsh policing.

Question 43

what is another weakness of ZTP?

Answer 43

-another weakness is that the police could take advantage of the extra powers. For example, minor offences like littering were hit with arrest warrants. This is a weakness as they could use them to do harm. Therefore, reducing the validity of ZTP.

Question 44

what is restorative justice?

Answer 44

-left realism argues that crime is caused when individuals are marginalised from society -it involves offenders apologising to their victims, giving something back to the community and reducing marginalisation

Question 45

what is the process of restorative justice?

Answer 45

-a voluntary process with a trained facilitator. Offender meets/communicates with the victim or people they could have harmed -helps the offenders realise their actions, effects on others and accept responsibility -those harmed can describe how they feel and ask questions for relief

Question 46

what is a strength of restorative justice?

Answer 46

-one strength is that it makes the victim satisfied. For example, 85% of victims were satisfied with the process of restorative justice, and 14% reduction in reoffending. This is a strength as it reduces recidivism rates and has a positive outcome for the victim, therefore an effective policy development.

Question 47

what is a weakness of restorative justice?

Answer 47

-one weakness is that it wouldn't work for every offence. For example, some offences like robbery and sexual assault, the offender may not accept responsibility or want to meet the victim. This is a weakness as it wouldn't result in fulfilling the victim or reducing reoffending rates. Therefore, an ineffective policy development.

Question 48

what is another weakness of restorative justice?

Answer 48

-another weakness is that it is a soft approach. For example, some people believe it is an easy way of welcoming criminals back into society and that they don't deserve this process (non punishment nature). This is a weakness as it isn't popular with the public. Therefore, an ineffective policy development.

Question 49

what is CCTV based on?

Answer 49

-linked to Foucault's theory of the panopticon -the panopticon lead to prisoner's monitoring and regulating their own behaviour and CCTV works in the same way -the panopticon was a type of prison where each cell faced a central watch tower that shined light, where criminals were unable to tell when watch men observe them

Question 50

what is the policy of CCTV?

Answer 50

-closed circuit television (CCTV) is a method of surveillance within society, recording and monitoring public behaviour -it can act as a deterrent on criminal behaviour when overtly used, but also covertly as part of undercover investigations -CCTV footage is often first evidence police collect and is frequently used as evidence in court

Question 51

what is the related case example for CCTV?

Answer 51

-David Copeland, the London nail bomber 1999 -homemade nail bombs were spread around London, which killed 3 people and injured 140 (4 who lost limbs) -Copeland was identified as the bomber after police released CCTV of him outside Brixton station in 1999 -NASA helped enhance grainy images

Question 52

what is a strength of CCTV?

Answer 52

-one strength is that it provides vital evidence for police investigations. For example, in the case of the London nail bomber, police were able to identify David Copeland because of CCTV outside Brixton station the day he planted the bomb. This is a strength as it demonstrates the success of CCTV evidence.

Question 53

what is a weakness of CCTV?

Answer 53

-one weakness is that criminals are not put off by CCTV. For example, research found that very few criminals are deterred by CCTV as camera doorbells are common and yet criminals often vandalise and steal from property. This is a weakness as it suggests it doesn't prevent criminal behaviour.

Question 54

what is another weakness of CCTV?

Answer 54

-another weakness is that it encourages criminals to move to other areas with less surveillance. For example, they will often move to more rural areas. This is a weakness as the crime is being moved somewhere else rather than prevented.