Unit 4 3.2 - Achieving Social Control Environmental

Question 1

CPTED (1): Intro + Principles

Answer 1

Originates from criminologist: C. Ray Jeffery. Based on the idea that crime results from the opportunities presented by the physical environment. It should be possible to alter the physical environment, so that less crime is likely to occur.

Question 2

CPTED (2): Examples

Answer 2

Birmingham Bullring Market Design
The width of the access ways was changed from 2m to 3m, allowing for more space & less cramping - making it more difficult for thieves
This combined with police observation, would act as a deterrent as thieves - due to increased fear of punishment

Question 3

CPTED (3): Strengths and Limitations

Answer 3

Strengths
Promotes a sense of ownership. Could relate to a Functionalist view of crime - positive boundary maintenance
Brown & Altman (1981 - found physical modifications suggested care & watchfulness
Lisson Green Estate, removal of overhead walkways led to 50% reduction in crime
Weaknesses
The principles suggest criminals operate in hidden places - not always true (e.g: graffiti)
May be that crime is displaced rather than prevented. E.G: in NY, when the police increased subway surveillance, other crimes like bus robberies rose
Difficult / costly to achieve with existing areas
Achieving Social Control
Broken Windows theory - physical disorder (e.g: vacant broken buildings, abandoned property, etc.) creates an urban environment that encourages further crime
Principles of CPTED aim to minimise the level of physical disorder & remove the ability to commit crime. Thereby modifying offender’s behaviours & increasing social control

Question 4

Prison Design (1): Panopticon

Answer 4

The traditional prison design is the panopticon (all-seeing) shape
The concept is to allow an observer to view all prisoners without the prisoners being able to tell if they are being watched
The building has a tower at the centre, from which it is possible to see each cell
Prisoners cannot communicate with one another - abolishing the ‘crowd’

Achieving Social Control
Ensures a sense of permanent visibility that ensures the functioning of power
Foucault’s Surveillance theory argues self-surveillance has become an important way of achieving social control
Individuals know that they might be watched - so we modify & control our behaviour for avoid punishment

Question 5

Prison Design (2): Open Design

Answer 5

A lower security prison that has low restrictions on offenders
Typically holds Category D prisoners
Offenders won’t be in cells all day & may even be allowed out for certain periods of time

Still under physical coercion - kept in prison under curfew
May face harsher punishment if reoffend - the fear of this controls them
Taught to how to lead law-abiding lives (given their own cell key), helping them internalise & absorb the values of society

Question 6

Gated Lanes

Answer 6

Gates installed at the entrance to rear alleyways in order to deter burglars or other criminals from gaining unlawful access
Regulations came into force on 1st April 2006, allowing local authorities to erect gates on public highways
Strengths:
Makes burglary more difficult = individually deters pre existing offenders
General deterrence of potential offenders as the environment appears neater & more cared for (Broken Windows theory)
Sidebottom et al: Reviewed 43 studies and found gated lanes reduced burglary rates
Weaknesses:
Focuses on defence from outside offences, but insiders can commit crime too
In areas where neighbours dont trust eachother, less likely to get residents to work together to instal gates
May be difficult installing the gates if there are multiple owners as all have to agree.
Achieving Social Control:
CPTED links with the rational choice theory- it sees the offenders acting rationally, weighing up pros and cons, such as the difficulty of commiting crime.