Realist Solutions to Crime Flashcards
What are the 2 Right Realists solutions to crime?
- reducing the likelihood of being a target
- tackling the perpetrator harshly
According to Wilson and Kelling (1982), what is the broken windows theory? (reducing the likelihood of being a target)
If an area is left run down, criminals will be attracted. For example, if there are boarded up windows it may attract deviant individuals. This will then drive good people out of the community, leading to more empty houses, and more places for criminals to converge.
According to Wilson and Kelling (1982), what is environmental crime prevention? (reducing the likelihood of being a target)
Where a community works together to care for the appearance of a local area. This includes repairing property damage and keeping the streets clear of litter. If the local authority builds a new house, it should be aesthetically pleasing. This would create the impression that the community cares, reducing the likelihood of criminal behaviour.
According to Felson (2002), what is situational crime prevention? (reducing the likelihood of being a target)
Potential targets must make themselves less attractive to criminals. This is called designing out crime. Peoples properties should be as secure as possible, with CCTV and alarm systems. The harder a property is to access, the less likely an offender is to commit the crime. Similar approaches can be taken for local area, neighbourghood watch schemes and street lighting e.c.t
Evaluation of the situational crime prevention response made by Right Realists?
DIsplaces crime rather than removes it
Evaluation of the reducing the likelihood of being a target strategy used by right realists?
- Plenty of crimes take place in well looked after areas. May be a sign of wealth so therefore want to target it.
- Simply displaces crime, rather than reducing it.
According to Wilson and Kelling, what is tackling the perpetrator harshly?
Use the concept of zero tolerance policing. Involves law staff going in hard at criminals even for minor acts of deviance. For example, in New York in the 1980s, there was a surge in the use of harsh policing tactics, with people being arrested for even selling cigarettes. If police crack down on minor crimes, then larger ones will be dettered.
Prison sentences for serious crimes are also much tougher. Sentences must be a lot longer and focus on rehab
Evaluation of the tackling the perpetrator harshly right realist solution?
-do more harm than good. Creates a hostile relationship between police and certain communities.
What are the 2 left realist solutions to crime?
- social and cultural crime prevention
- community policing
According to left realists, what is social and cultural crime prevention?
Most crime is caused by inequality in society. Crime therefore can be reduced if the government tackles structural problems. For example, providing adequate education, so people can leave school and get a good job. Investment in public services such as state welfare and community centres means that people have the support networks they need.
Evaluation of the social and cultural crime prevention strategies by left realists?
-costly
According to left realists, what is community policing?
Instead of taking a zero tolerance approach, police should build relationships with communities, presenting themselves as a caring group. For example, showing ethnic minorities that they are there to help instead of being a force to control them. Hopefully leading to communities working with officers, rather than against them, on finding and punishing individuals. Now known as a “police service” rather than a “police force”
Evaluation of the community policing solution by left realists?
-soft, leading to an increase in crime.
