Deterrence, Crime Prevention, & Victims of Crime
Deterrence Theory
Related to Beccaria's work (e.g. Classical Theory)
Aimed at deterring people from committing crime
In politics, deterrence comes from severity
Longer sentences for violent & non-violent crime
This results in lengthy court procedures
Cost tax payers more money
Certainty
Certainty is shown to be more effective as deterrence
Project HOPE: shorter and swifter sentences
More positive effect, as per studies
Hot Spots Policing derived from certainty
Downfall is that this creates crime displacement
Crime moves to another area
Individualized deterrence
focuses on the individual
law enforces rules heavier
greater supervision by probation, courts, & police
Rational Choice Theory
Developed by Cornish & Clarke, 1986
Developed in the UK
Focused on the how the offender decided to commit crime
Often goal focused and not premeditated
Risk v. Reward
Short term, immediate needs