Assignment Question

A local community in your area is reporting a recent increase in criminal behavior. They are asking police to explain the change and to implement a program to reduce the crime. Choose 1 of the following scenarios to use to answer the provided discussion questions: Scenario 1: Residential burglaries between 10:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. and 2:00–4:00 p.m. have increased in the area since school started. Several juvenile students in the area have already been apprehended. Scenario 2: Several individuals have been apprehended for possessing illegal weapons. There are reports of multiple individuals in the area working together to traffic and sell illegal weapons. Reply to the following for your selected scenario as if you were a police officer serving the neighborhood: Briefly explain Sutherland’s differential association theory, social learning theory, or another theory of criminology from the course’s learning activities so far. How might a criminologist use this theory to interpret the criminal behavior? What kind of community program would you recommend to help the neighborhood in this case? Name another criminology theory from the course’s learning activities that could be used to challenge this interpretation. What is 1 way this theory could be used to justify a different approach? What other kind of community program would you recommend to help the neighborhood in this scenario?

Answer

Introduction

Communities across the United States are often faced with the challenging task of addressing increasing criminal behavior. In response to this issue, local authorities and law enforcement agencies must employ various criminological theories and community programs to effectively combat crime and enhance public safety. This essay will focus on Scenario 1, where residential burglaries have increased since the start of the school year, and explore Edwin Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory as a lens for interpreting criminal behavior. Additionally, we will discuss the implementation of community programs to tackle this issue. Furthermore, we will introduce an alternative criminological theory, Routine Activities Theory, that challenges the interpretation based on Differential Association Theory and propose a different approach and community program.

Differential Association Theory

Edwin Sutherland’s Differential Association Theory posits that criminal behavior is learned through interactions with others who endorse deviant values and norms (Akers & Sellers, 2013). In the context of Scenario 1, this theory can help explain the increase in residential burglaries among juvenile students in the area. It suggests that these juveniles may have come into contact with peers or individuals who have criminal inclinations and have learned the techniques and motivations for committing burglaries from them.

To interpret the criminal behavior in this scenario, a criminologist would focus on the social interactions and associations of these juveniles. They would investigate who these individuals have been associating with, whether they have been exposed to criminal subcultures, and if they have been influenced by peers engaging in criminal activities. By identifying the specific social influences that have contributed to their criminal behavior, the criminologist can develop targeted intervention strategies.

Recommended Community Program: Mentoring and Positive Peer Influence

To address the increase in residential burglaries among juvenile students, a community program that promotes positive peer influence and mentoring could be highly effective. This program would involve local law enforcement collaborating with schools, community organizations, and volunteers to provide mentoring and after-school activities for at-risk youth. By offering positive role models and constructive activities during the critical hours when burglaries are occurring (10:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. and 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.), this program aims to divert these young individuals from criminal associations and behaviors.

Challenging Interpretation: Routine Activities Theory

Routine Activities Theory, introduced by Cohen and Felson (1979), presents an alternative perspective. It suggests that criminal opportunities arise when a motivated offender encounters a suitable target in the absence of a capable guardian. In Scenario 1, one might argue that the increase in burglaries is due to the absence of capable guardians (e.g., parents or neighbors) during the specified time periods rather than solely relying on social learning.

Justifying a Different Approach: Environmental Design and Neighborhood Watch

To address the issue from a Routine Activities Theory perspective, an alternative approach would focus on enhancing environmental design and community guardianship. Implementing measures such as improved lighting, neighborhood watch programs, and community engagement initiatives would aim to reduce the vulnerability of potential targets during the identified time frames.

Another Community Program: Neighborhood Watch

A Neighborhood Watch program would involve residents collaborating with law enforcement to monitor and report suspicious activities. This approach empowers community members to take an active role in preventing crime and fosters a sense of collective responsibility for neighborhood safety.

Community Policing and Trust-Building: Community policing is an approach that fosters collaboration between law enforcement officers and the community they serve. Police officers become more than just enforcers of the law; they become partners in addressing community issues. Building trust and positive relationships with residents is crucial for gaining community support in crime prevention efforts. Research has shown that communities with strong police-community relationships experience lower crime rates (Cordner, 2016). Therefore, implementing community policing strategies can be an effective way to address criminal behavior while strengthening community ties.

Youth Engagement and After-School Programs: In Scenario 1, the increase in criminal activity involves juvenile students. Providing constructive after-school programs and youth engagement initiatives can help keep young people occupied with productive activities during peak crime hours. These programs could include sports, arts, mentorship, and academic support to keep students engaged in positive ways, reducing their exposure to criminal influences (Eccles & Gootman, 2002).

Restorative Justice Programs: Restorative justice is an alternative approach to traditional punitive measures. It focuses on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior by involving both the victim and the offender in the resolution process. Implementing restorative justice programs in the community can be especially effective for minor offenses committed by juveniles. These programs promote empathy, accountability, and rehabilitation, addressing the root causes of criminal behavior (Umbreit & Armour, 2011).

Community Education and Awareness: Educating the community about crime prevention and safety measures is essential. Crime prevention workshops and awareness campaigns can inform residents about strategies to protect themselves and their property. Informed and vigilant community members are more likely to report suspicious activities and take proactive steps to prevent crime (Sherman, 1997).

Resource Allocation and Budgeting: Local governments should prioritize allocating resources to law enforcement agencies and community programs that address crime prevention. Adequate funding for training, technology, and community outreach is essential to ensure the success of crime reduction initiatives. Budgeting should be data-driven, focusing resources on areas with the highest crime rates and the greatest need (Weisburd, 2015).

Evaluation and Adaptation: Continual evaluation and adaptation of crime reduction programs are vital to their success. Law enforcement agencies and community organizations should regularly assess the impact of their initiatives using measurable indicators. This data-driven approach allows for adjustments in strategies to address emerging crime trends and community needs.

Technology and Crime Analysis

Embracing modern technology can greatly aid in crime prevention and response. Law enforcement agencies can utilize data analytics and crime mapping tools to identify crime hotspots and trends more effectively. Predictive policing models, which use historical crime data to anticipate future incidents, can help allocate resources proactively to potential trouble areas (Brantingham & Brantingham, 1995). Additionally, surveillance cameras and license plate recognition systems can be deployed strategically in high-crime areas to deter criminal activity and provide valuable evidence for investigations (La Vigne et al., 2011).

Victim Support Services

Supporting crime victims is a crucial component of any comprehensive crime reduction strategy. Establishing victim support services, including counseling, legal assistance, and victim advocacy programs, can help victims recover and cooperate with law enforcement in the pursuit of justice (Fattah & Sacco, 1989). Victims who feel supported are more likely to report crimes and participate in the criminal justice process, which can lead to the apprehension and conviction of offenders.

Community Reinvestment

Investing in community development and economic opportunities can address some of the root causes of crime. Creating job training programs, affordable housing initiatives, and entrepreneurship opportunities in disadvantaged neighborhoods can provide individuals with alternative pathways to success, reducing their reliance on criminal activities (Sampson, 2012). Additionally, community reinvestment efforts can improve the overall quality of life in the area, making it a less attractive environment for criminal behavior.

Community Policing Partnerships: Collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations is essential. Partnerships with schools, churches, businesses, and nonprofits can enhance the effectiveness of crime prevention programs. For example, school resource officers can foster positive relationships with students, provide mentorship, and address potential issues early on (McCarthy & Hagan, 2001). Engaging local businesses in crime prevention initiatives, such as providing job opportunities for at-risk youth, can also contribute to community safety.

Public Awareness Campaigns

Public awareness campaigns can educate residents about the consequences of criminal behavior and the importance of community involvement. These campaigns can also encourage individuals to report suspicious activities and crimes promptly. Furthermore, campaigns aimed at reducing the demand for illegal goods and services, such as illegal weapons in Scenario 2, can complement law enforcement efforts to combat organized crime.

Cultural Competency Training

Law enforcement officers and community leaders should undergo cultural competency training to better understand and respect the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of community members. Cultural sensitivity can help build trust and improve communication between law enforcement and residents, reducing tensions and misunderstandings that can hinder crime prevention efforts.

Conclusion

In addressing the increase in residential burglaries among juvenile students in Scenario 1, it is crucial to consider criminological theories such as Differential Association Theory to understand the social influences behind the criminal behavior. Implementing a mentoring and positive peer influence program can be effective in diverting at-risk youth from criminal activities. However, it is also essential to acknowledge alternative theories like Routine Activities Theory, which emphasize the importance of environmental factors and guardianship. Combining strategies from both theories, such as enhancing community guardianship through Neighborhood Watch programs, can create a more comprehensive approach to reducing crime and improving neighborhood safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are some common criminological theories used to understand criminal behavior in communities?

A1: Criminological theories such as Differential Association Theory, Routine Activities Theory, and Social Learning Theory are often used to explain criminal behavior in communities. These theories examine the social, environmental, and individual factors contributing to criminal conduct.

Q2: How can Differential Association Theory help interpret criminal behavior in a community?

A2: Differential Association Theory suggests that individuals learn criminal behavior through interactions with others who endorse deviant values. It can be used to interpret criminal behavior by examining the social influences and associations of individuals involved in criminal activities.

Q3: What community programs can be recommended to address criminal behavior among juveniles?

A3: Programs like mentoring and positive peer influence, after-school activities, and restorative justice initiatives can be effective in diverting juveniles from criminal activities and providing them with positive alternatives.

Q4: Are there alternative criminological theories that challenge the interpretations based on Differential Association Theory?

A4: Yes, Routine Activities Theory is an alternative theory that emphasizes environmental factors, including the presence of suitable targets and capable guardians, as key contributors to criminal opportunities.

Q5: How can communities implement Routine Activities Theory to justify a different approach to crime reduction?

A5: Routine Activities Theory suggests that improving environmental design, increasing guardianship, and reducing the opportunity for crime can be effective in reducing criminal behavior. Strategies may include better lighting, neighborhood watch programs, and environmental modifications.