Topic 5 Criminal psychology Flashcards
What is the summary of Wilson and Kelling?
Wilson and Kelling’s research advanced the so-called ‘broken windows’ theory. This suggests that if low-level crimes such as vandalism are left unchallenged then disorder will soon develop until a point is reached where people who might otherwise challenge offenders will move away from an area, leaving it to descend into crime more generally. In line with this theory, Wilson and Kelling proposed that the focus of police work should shift away from trying to catch people behind more serious crimes and should instead focus on relatively low-level offences, such that the role of the police was more based around order-maintenance. In support of their proposals, they cited a programme in New Jersey in which police officers patrolling neighbourhoods on foot left residents feeling safer and more prepared to go out onto the streets themselves. Even though crime levels did not fall, there were benefits for the community of introducing the programme.
What is Cohen and Felson about?
3 key elements which are necessary for commission of most crimes.
-Suitable targets (Things worth stealing)
-Motivated offender
-The absence of a capable guardian (someone that may deter the criminal)
If any elements are missing, then the crime is less likely to take place. Individuals should try to make it harder for criminals to access their possession, avoid showing of valuable items in public and ensure it is well guarded
What is Brown about?
Analysed the reported crime data in town centres of 3 UK cities, Birmingham, Newcastle and Kings Lynn before and after CCTV cameras had been introduced
Number of burglaries reported in Newcastle was reduced by 56% and the number of reports of criminal damage by 34%
What is Burrows about?
Studied the effect of installing CCTV in four London Underground stations
-On average across all stations crime fell by 38%
-Crime at the stations with CCTV fell by 70%
However, in the 15 closest stations, the fall in crime rate was much lower at just 25%. Suggesting that the criminals moved to other stations, showing CCtV just displaces to other places.
What is the zero tolerance policy in New York?
Went through 3 waves:
1- Subway Graffiti: Cleaning station was set up in Bronx to ensure subway carriages with graffiti on them were cleaned up
2- Subway fare dodging: Teams of up to 10 police officers in plain clothes were asking to subway stations prove to dodging. Bus turned into rolling police stations to speed procession. 1/7 people had an outstanding warrant for previous crime and 1/20 were carrying a weapon of some sort.
3- Qualifying of life crimes: ‘Squeegee’ men who demanded payment for washing car windows as well as people who were drunk in public or public urination
What is Ernest-Jones et al about?
Setting= University Cafeteria
IV= Posters containing messages to clear litter had either eyes on them or flowers on them
DV= Amount of littering
Results= 50% reduction in littering when the poster featured eyes
Suggestion= Have anti-crime posters with eyes
What are the applications of topic 5 criminal psychology?
-Make it harder for criminals to commit crimes
-CCTV in areas of high crimes
-Anti-Crime posters
