Crime Prevention, Robinson States "Rational Choice Deterrence Essay

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Crime Prevention, Robinson states "Rational choice deterrence theories related theories understand criminal justice -- including crime control crime prevention activities police, courts, corrections -- reduce crime society" (2012).

Rational choice and deterrence theories

The rational choice theory of crime is intimately related to the concept of the deterrence theory of crime. Rational choice models suggest that all human beings are inherently rational creatures, capable of making reasonable, utilitarian decisions based upon a weighing of pros and cons. A rational actor, in other words, will decide not to commit a crime if the potential costs outweigh the potential benefits. Swiftness and certainty of the punishment for the crime will deter persons from offending. The theory also presumes that "people will engage in criminal and deviant activities if they do not fear apprehension and punishment. Norms, laws, and enforcement are to be designed and implemented to produce and maintain the image that 'negative' and disruptive behaviors will receive attention and punishment" (Keel 2005). For example, rational choice theory would suggest that people are unlikely to shoplift if they know they are being watched and will be caught and prosecuted.

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People will not hurt others if they know that the criminal justice system will imprison or execute them, given the potential benefits they can accrue from such actions are minimal.

However, if punishments are not uniformly or regularly applied, people are more likely to take chances. Someone might refuse to pay to have a taxi take them home if they know there is never a drunk driving 'stop' on the roads they take on their journey. Also if punishments are not severe, a proverbial 'slap on the wrist' (like merely giving warnings rather than violations for speeding), then people are more likely to offend. The rational choice theory does not take into consideration other factors, such as emotions, human psychology, and sociological conditions like the hopelessness of poverty into its calculus which might cause persons to make irrational decisions that do not objectively seem to be in their best interests.

Q2. The problem analysis triangle

The problem analysis triangle is particularly effective in analyzing crime because….....

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