Crime Control Theory, Police Practice, And Police Success

Crime Control Theory Police Practice And Police Successwhat Prevaili

What prevailing theories of crime control exist? How do crime control theories affect policing functions and success? How does research support the concept that crime control theories positively (or negatively) affect policing functions? Explain and justify concepts with supporting proofs.

Paper For Above instruction

The landscape of crime control theories has significantly shaped police practices and their overall success in maintaining social order. Among the prominent theories, the classical deterrence model, broken windows theory, rational choice theory, and social disorganization theory have all contributed uniquely to policing strategies. These theories influence not only operational tactics but also policy formulation, community engagement, and resource allocation. This paper explores the key crime control theories, their influence on policing functions, and the empirical research supporting their efficacy or limitations.

Prevailing Crime Control Theories

Classical deterrence theory, rooted in Enlightenment philosophy, posits that individuals act rationally and will refrain from criminal acts if the perceived costs outweigh benefits. This notion underpins policies emphasizing harsh punishments and swift law enforcement responses (Beccaria, 1764/2016). Conversely, the broken windows theory, advanced by Wilson and Kelling (1982), suggests that visible signs of disorder foster further crime, necessitating proactive policing to maintain neighborhood stability. Rational choice theory extends this logic, emphasizing that criminals weigh risks and rewards, thus advocating for targeted interventions that increase perceived risks (Cornish & Clarke, 1986). Social disorganization theory, originating from Shaw and McKay (1942), links community structural disadvantages to increased crime, emphasizing community-based policing and social interventions as means to reduce criminal activity.

Impact of Crime Control Theories on Policing Functions

The influence of these theories manifests in various policing functions, including patrol strategies, crime prevention initiatives, and community relations. For instance, the adoption of problem-oriented policing (POP) and hot spot policing is rooted in rational choice and broken windows principles, focusing police efforts on high-crime areas with visible signs of disorder (Kelling & Wilson, 1982). Evidence-Based Policing, as championed by Sherman (1998), advocates for implementing and evaluating policing tactics based on scientific research, aligning operational decisions with theoretical insights. Such approaches have been shown to enhance police effectiveness, reduce crime, and improve citizen perceptions when theory-driven strategies are appropriately applied.

Research Support for Theories and Police Success

Empirical research offers mixed but largely supportive evidence regarding the positive impact of crime control theories on policing. Sherman (2015) discusses the paradigm shift towards "Totally Evidenced Policing," emphasizing the importance of rigorous evaluation of crime prevention strategies. Studies have demonstrated that hot spot policing reduces crime effectively, confirming the predictions of broken windows and rational choice theories (Braga, Papachristos, & Hureau, 2014). Similarly, problem-oriented policing has shown success in addressing chronic quality-of-life issues and reducing recidivism (Goldstein, 1990). However, critics argue that an overemphasis on deterrence alone may neglect social factors influencing crime, potentially leading to negative consequences such as over-policing and community mistrust (Kelling & Weisburd, 2017). Therefore, integrating multiple theoretical perspectives and scientific evidence is crucial for police success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, prevailing crime control theories such as deterrence, broken windows, rational choice, and social disorganization have profoundly influenced policing practices and strategies. Empirical research generally supports the effectiveness of theory-informed policing approaches, especially when combined with rigorous evaluation and community engagement. While each theory has limitations, their integration fosters comprehensive crime reduction strategies that enhance police success and community safety. Future research should continue to refine these models and explore innovative methods for translating theory into practice, ensuring policing remains adaptive and evidence-driven.

References

• Beccaria, C. (2016). On crimes and punishment (A. Goldstein, Trans.). Liberty Fund. (Original work published 1764)
• Braga, A. A., Papachristos, A. V., & Hureau, D. M. (2014). The Effect of Hot Spots Policing on Crime: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Justice Quarterly, 31(4), 633–663.
• Cornish, D. B., & Clarke, R. V. (1986). Reasoning criminologically: Rational choice perspectives on offending. Crime & Justice, 7, 1–38.
• Goldstein, H. (1990). Problem-oriented policing. McGraw-Hill.
• Kelling, G. L., & Weisburd, D. (2017). Advancing the Science of Policing. Annual Review of Criminology, 1, 301–319.
• Kelling, G. L., & Wilson, J. Q. (1982). Broken Windows. The Atlantic Monthly, 249(3), 29–38.
• Shaw, C. R., & McKay, H. D. (1942). Juvenile Delinquency and Urban Areas. University of Chicago Press.
• Sherman, L. W. (1998). Evidence-Based Policing. The Police Chief, 65(4), 20–28.
• Sherman, L. W. (2015). A Tipping Point for “Totally Evidenced Policing”. Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice, 9(4), 273–281.
• Wilson, J. Q., & Kelling, G. L. (1982). Broken Windows: The police and neighborhood safety. The Atlantic Monthly, 249(3), 29–38.