Introduction
Like other scourges that continue to threaten the world, crime remains a major threat today. Although this has been noted as a problem witnessed throughout human history, some current criminal activities are manifested in more advanced ways than before. This is due to some factors like improvement in information technology, which has transformed the manner in which the world does certain things. Nevertheless, there is every need to deal with crime using preventive measures in order to mitigate the impact posed by criminals not only in the United States but also in every part of the world. Such can be achieved through the formulation and implementation of crime prevention policies that are effective and realistic. This proposal synthesizes a crime prevention policy, covering a wide range of sections including background information about crime, types of crimes, theories that explain crime, control methods, and evaluation of the policy among other segments.
Crime
In understanding crime, it is important to note that crime has varied definitions from one society, state, country, or a group of people to another. These definitions further influence society’s view of crime and criminals. From a general perspective, crime refers to a violation of set rules or laws which have been formulated by a governing body say, the government of a country (Henry & Lanier, 2001). This breach is usually followed by punishment through conviction. Even though every crime contravenes a given law, not all breaches of the law amount to a crime. In most cases, crime is seen as a public offense against a country or state depending on the law which governs behavior and conduct. Those people who commit crimes are referred to as criminals. On the other hand, criminology refers to the scientific study of crime. This study further encompasses the understanding of the scope, causes, nature, and possible control measures of dealing with crime in society. The perception of society towards a given crime or criminals depends on norms that form part of the society’s identity. In other words, different societies view crime differently even though there is a universally acceptable definition of crime (Henry & Lanier, 2001). As such, what one society views as a criminal offense could be acceptable behavior or action in another country or state.
History of crime
The history of crime in the United States dates back to the early 20th century as compared to other parts of Europe. In 1916 when Chicago’s population was two million, it recorded at least 198 homicides (Anderson, 2000). This level of crime was higher than in most European cities even though it was not exceptional in the United States since most of its cities like New York were already recording high levels of crime. The crime rate has continued to increase in the U.S especially after the 1960s. By the year 2007, the country had registered over eleven million criminal cases, translating to a 350% increment from 1964. This trend has also fluctuated after rising from the 60s and peaking in the 1960s, the crime rate was seen to decrease from then on. This fluctuation in the number of crimes has been discussed based on causal factors associated with criminal activities. Some theorists argue that the drop is a result of the legalization of abortion and low exposure to lead among children between 1993 and 2004. Another explanation for the drop is the ratification of the Three Strikes Law by the state of Washington, which recommends that criminals who get involved in crime for the third time be granted lifetime imprisonment. The law which was passed in 1993 discouraged many Americans to commit a crime (McCall, 1995).
Besides Washington, other states like North Dakota, California, Indiana, Colorado, and Georgia among others adopted the Three Strikes Law. According to the U.S security department, the year 2010 was ranked as the safest year in almost four decades in which all crimes recorded low percentages. At 51% decrease, homicide was seen to have tremendously dropped from 1991 when the highest number of homicides was registered. Similarly, violent and property crimes have continued to drop, though at a lower rate as compared to the pace observed in the 1990s (Anderson, 2000).
Crime theories
Throughout the history of crime in the world, several theories have been suggested to explain trends, nature, and occurrence of criminal behavior in society. Some of these theories include strain theory, conflict theory, and classical theory. According to the strain theory, life is characterized by success goals, which are set by individuals in society. However, when these goals, for example, money and successful education are not attained, people experience pressure. Consequently, many are likely to respond to this pressure by committing a crime (University of Wisconsin, 2011). Although these reactions are commonly associated with blocked goals, strain theorists argue that this can be as a result of harmful stimuli represented by an individual or the reduction of valued stimuli. These theorists, therefore, conclude that crime is a response to negative effects of strain experienced when goals are not achieved. This theory commonly finds application in a society that has unequal opportunities, where the disadvantaged group ends up resorting to unlawful means of meeting their needs.
On the other hand, the classical theory explains crime based on the effectiveness of control mechanisms erected to deal with the behavior. This is to say that people will resort to crime when derived benefits outweigh the costs enhanced by ineffective corrective measures. As a result, crime becomes an act of free will that has no or minimal costs. On the other hand, conflict theorists consider power variance as a major factor in describing crime and agreed on laws, which define it. They further affirm that most legislative systems are controlled by high-class groups that outlaw conduct that may seem to threaten their success (University of Wisconsin, 2011). As a result, low-class members are more likely to feel the wrath of the law than the rich. Due to conflicting struggles between different social groups, theorists argue for the existence of unfair opportunities that limit the improvement of one’s living standards. In dealing with crime, conflict theorists support the elimination of exploitation and inequality among different social classes.
Types of crime
This crime control policy focuses on addressing several types of crimes, some of which are described below. These crimes have different prevalence rates and show variation in their occurrence patterns. The first type of crime that the policy intends to combat is drug crimes. The war on drugs has been a major problem in American crime history. Entangled with other factors like politics and social class, the battle has remained a challenge (Crutchfield, Kubrin & Bridges, 2007). Since the war against drugs was declared by President Nixon, drug-related convicts significantly contribute to the number of prisoners in American prisons. Due to the fact that some drugs are controlled by the state, defendants are likely to be charged for being in possession of, manufacturing, distribution, or cultivating of these substances (McCall, 1995).
On the other hand, sex crimes are made up of unacceptable sexual actions, which may include but are not limited to forced intercourse and the exchange of money for sex in an unlawful way. These offenses are usually sensitive, considering the type of penalty they carry if an individual is found guilty (Crutchfield, Kubrin & Bridges, 2007).
Notably, some of the penalties imposed on suspects are lifetime and may affect the convict throughout his or her life. Specific examples of these deviant sexual actions include rape, child pornography, sexual battery, indecent exposure, and prostitution.
In addition, this policy will address white-collar crimes, which are also referred to as workplace crimes. They mainly revolve around financial transactions and key personalities involved are politicians businessmen and women. These crimes are mostly nonviolent with convicts being charged either at the federal or state level. The involvement of politicians and wealthy people in this type of crime makes it complex and difficult to deal with it (Crutchfield, Kubrin & Bridges, 2007). Common examples include embezzlement, fraud, counterfeiting, tax evasion, forgery, corruption, extortion, and money laundering. Lastly, theft crimes will be addressed in the policy bearing in mind that they are very common from the domestic level. Theft can be described as unlawful possession of another person’s property through deception or force. Penalties, therefore, depend on how the crime was committed and the quantity of property affected. Common examples include robbery and burglary.
Control method
In dealing with drug crimes in the United States, it is important to note that the use of prisons in dealing with the crime, has not been successful. Since the war on drugs was authorized decades ago, the number of prisoners convicted of drug crimes rose from 40,000 to the current half a million. This policy will focus on the rehabilitation of drug traffickers and users. Coupled with treatment and other rehabilitative programs, this approach is more cost-effective and will be key in reducing the number of dollars used in maintaining prisons in the country. Severe addicts will also have a chance to receive medical support in ensuring that they are medically fit and able to cope with drug withdrawal effects. Parents will also be encouraged to advise their children on the effects of drugs and how to stay free from the influence of drug use and addiction (EMCDDA, 2007).
About white-collar jobs, this control policy recommends employers train employees on the need to maintain good work ethics and nurture a fraud-free working environment. The use of advanced information systems is also important in securing business data and recorders from hackers and other ill-motivated criminals. Homeland security and daily surveillance are also important in dealing with violent crimes and theft of property. Citizens need to be trained on ways of keeping their homes free from attack threats. Moreover, this policy recommends outlawing illegal gun possession to deal with cases of gun violence (EMCDDA, 2007). Lastly, those convicted of sex-related crimes need to be medically examined to ascertain their mental stability before being charged.
Evaluation of the policy
The workability of this crime control policy is based on the fact that it is cost-effective and easy to implement. For instance, rehabilitation and treatment of drug users are by far more affordable than maintaining prisoners in jail. Parents talking to their children is most recommended because they spent a lot of their time together than with law enforcement agents. Disarming citizens also prevents a wide range of crimes since criminals take advantage of gun ownership to commit the crime. Some of the limitations include legislation barriers since most of the penalties are defined by state or federal law. Another challenge will be resistance from influential people in the society who may feel threatened by the policy. Nevertheless, effective implementation of the policy guarantees a safer America that will be characterized by low crime rates.
References
Anderson, E. (2000). Code of the streets. New York, New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Incorporated.
Crutchfield, R., Kubrin, C., & Bridges, G. (2007). Crime: Readings. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
EMCDDA. (2007).Prevention of drug-related crime. European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Web.
Henry, S., & Lanier, M. (2001). What is crime?: controversies over the nature of crime and what to do about it. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield.
McCall, N. (1995). Makes me wanna holler: a young Black man in America. New York, New York: Vintage Books.
University of Wisconsin. (2011). Criminological Theory Summaries. University of Wisconsin. Web.