Week 7 Criminology Theory Application Overview ✓ Solved
Week 7 Assignment Criminology Theory Application Overview in
In this assignment, you are continuing on in your role as a police officer. The Chief wants to continue her emphasis on empathy training. Now that she's comfortable that officers have a grounding in criminology theory, she wants to see how effectively they are able to apply what they've learned about criminology theory and empathy to their daily police work. As part of their prework for an upcoming departmental training session, the chief wants all officers to complete a chart that requires them to specify for 10 given scenarios: The crime committed and the underlying cause of the behavior, based on criminology theories. A police response to the scenario that addresses the behavior and provides a solution to the incident.
Complete the Criminology Theory Application Chart [DOCX], which identifies 10 scenarios of criminal or deviant acts that officers are likely to encounter in performance of their duties. The first scenario is completed for you as an example to guide your responses for the remaining scenarios. For each scenario: Identify the crime(s) or deviance committed. Determine the behavior's underlying cause, based on criminology theories. Outline a responding officer's response to the scenario that addresses the behavior and provides a solution to the incident.
Use three sources to support your writing. Choose sources that are credible, relevant, and appropriate. Cite each source listed on your source page at least one time within your assignment. Access the library or review library guides for help with research, writing, and citation. Submit the completed Criminology Theory Application Chart to the assignment area.
Formatting This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Note the following: The preferred method is for your Criminology Theory Application Chart to be typed, single-spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides. Include a cover page containing the assignment title, your name, your professor's name, the course title, and the date.
Include a separate source list page. Citations and references must follow SWS format. Learning Outcomes The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is: Examine categories of crimes and their causes.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The application of criminology theories to real-world policing scenarios enhances officers' understanding of criminal behavior and supports empathetic, effective responses. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of ten hypothetical scenarios that police officers are likely to encounter, identifying underlying causes based on criminology theories and proposing appropriate responses to each incident. Supported by scholarly sources, the analysis emphasizes an integrated approach to crime management rooted in criminological understanding and empathetic policing.
Scenario 1: Theft by an Elderly Person
In the first scenario, an elderly individual is suspected of shoplifting. The crime identified is theft, specifically shoplifting. According to strain theory (Merton, 1938), the elderly suspect may be experiencing strain due to financial hardship or social isolation, leading to criminal behavior. An officer's response should involve empathetic communication, understanding the underlying social issues, and connecting the individual to social services rather than immediate punitive measures. This approach adheres to restorative justice principles and recognizes the social contexts influencing the behavior.
Scenario 2: Juvenile Vandalism
Vandalism committed by juveniles often stems from peer pressure or a lack of positive social engagement. Social learning theory (Akers, 1998) suggests that young offenders learn delinquent behaviors through interactions with peers. Officers should respond by engaging the juveniles in conversations about the impact of their actions, involving family or community resources, and emphasizing positive behavioral reinforcement.
Scenario 3: Drug Possession
Drug possession may be rooted in addiction and socio-economic factors. Routine activities theory (Cohen & Felson, 1979) indicates that crime occurs when motivated offenders encounter suitable targets in the absence of capable guardianship. A response involving referral to treatment programs, education on substance abuse, and community support services addresses the underlying causes and aims to reduce recidivism.
Scenario 4: Domestic Dispute
Domestic disputes often originate from underlying issues such as financial stress or emotional abuse. Conflict theory (Marx, 1867) posits that societal inequalities contribute to such conflicts. Officers should mediate with an emphasis on safety, provide resources for conflict resolution, and involve social services to address root causes.
Scenario 5: Suicide Threats
Suicide-related acts are often linked to mental health issues or social isolation. The social integration theory (Durkheim, 1897) highlights the importance of social bonds. Police responses should prioritize mental health interventions, connecting individuals with mental health services and ensuring immediate safety.
Scenario 6: Public Intoxication
Public intoxication often results from substance misuse issues. The self-control theory (Gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990) suggests that low self-control predisposes individuals to impulsive behaviors. Officers should engage with compassion, offer resources for addiction treatment, and connect individuals with community support networks.
Scenario 7: Prostitution
Prostitution, often linked to economic hardship and trafficking, can be addressed through structural issues highlighted by social disorganization theory (Shaw & McKay, 1942). Responses should involve connecting individuals to social services, addressing underlying economic factors, and collaborating with victim services if trafficking is involved.
Scenario 8: School Bullying
Bullying behavior may stem from peer dynamics and family environments. Bandura’s social cognitive theory (1977) suggests that children imitate observed behaviors. Interventions include counseling, school-based programs promoting healthy peer interactions, and parental involvement.
Scenario 9: Money Laundering
Financial crimes like money laundering are often associated with organized crime. Rational choice theory (Cornish & Clarke, 1986) posits that offenders weigh costs and benefits before engaging in illegal activities. Enforcement responses should include investigation, asset recovery, and collaboration with financial institutions.
Scenario 10: Hate Crimes
Hate crimes are rooted in prejudice and societal stereotypes. Critical race theory (Delgado & Stefancic, 2017) emphasizes understanding systemic inequalities. Responses must include community outreach, education, and prosecutorial actions aimed at addressing bias and fostering inclusion.
Conclusion
Applying criminology theories to police scenarios provides a nuanced understanding of criminal behaviors rooted in social, economic, and psychological factors. Empathetic responses supported by theoretical knowledge promote justice and community trust. Officers equipped with this understanding can respond more effectively, addressing underlying causes and fostering rehabilitative outcomes.
References
- Akers, R. L. (1998). Social Learning and Social Structure: A General Theory of Crime and Deviance. Roxbury Publishing.
- Cohen, L. E., & Felson, M. (1979). Social Change and Crime Rate Trends: A Routine Activity Approach. American Sociological Review, 44(4), 588–608.
- Cornish, D. B., & Clarke, R. V. (1986). The Reasoning Criminal: Rational Choice Perspectives on Offending. Springer.
- Delgado, R., & Stefancic, J. (2017). Critical Race Theory: An Introduction. NYU Press.
- Durkheim, É. (1897). Suicide. Free Press.
- Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A General Theory of Crime. Stanford University Press.
- Merton, R. K. (1938). Social Structure and Anomie. American Sociological Review, 3(5), 672-682.
- Shaw, C. R., & McKay, H. D. (1942). Juvenile Delinquency and Urban Areas. University of Chicago Press.
- Vaux, A., & Ray, M. (2014). Crime Theories: An Introduction. Routledge.
- Wiess, A., & Williams, B. (2020). Empathy in Policing: The Role of Restorative Justice. Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice, 15(4), 345-362.