30 Questions
Which of the following is NOT one of the seven categories of crime used by the South African Police Service (SAPS)?
Organized crime
Which of the following is an example of a property-related crime according to SAPS?
Theft from a vehicle
What is the current code of crime list used by the SAPS’s Crime Information Analysis Centre for the classification of crime?
35 categories
Which of the following is a criticism against crime classification systems?
One crime could be classified into more than one class
What is alcohol's effect on the functioning of the higher brain centers according to the text?
It inhibits them
Which neurotransmitter does alcohol affect to reduce inhibition and increase the likelihood of aggression?
GABA
What is the 'dark figure of crime'?
The crimes that are never reported to the police
What is the effect of alcohol on the rational cortex in the drinker's brain?
It numbs it
What is a reason why people might not report a crime to the police?
They think the police will not take their allegation seriously
What is the effect of alcohol on dopamine levels in the brain?
It raises dopamine levels
Which factor can contribute to the dark figure of crime?
The victim's fear of retaliation or repeat victimization
What is the difference between crime patterns and crime trends?
Crime patterns refer to the rise and fall in crime in a particular year, while crime trends refer to the specific pattern in the incidence of crime
What is a reason for the dark figure of crime in cases of domestic violence?
Victims are frequently financially or otherwise dependent on the perpetrators
What is a factor that can cause fluctuations in crime trends?
The economic situation in the country
What is a limitation of official crime statistics?
The dark figure of crime can affect crime statistics
Which crime poses the greatest threat to citizens and the welfare of South Africa according to the government's National Crime Prevention Strategy?
Organised crime
What are some of the practical steps being taken to combat and prevent crime in South Africa?
Preparing legislation to control firearms and combat smuggling
What is the result of unplanned urban growth in South Africa?
An increase in violent crimes
According to research, what is the relationship between warm summer months and reported crimes in South Africa?
Stress levels rise due to long-term exposure to extreme temperatures, which relates to an increase in violent crimes
Which government departments are responsible for combating and preventing crime in South Africa?
Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
Which of the following is a possible reason for an increase in property crimes during the holiday period?
People are more likely to be away from home
What is the main incentive for instrumental crimes?
To obtain desired goods through illegal activities
What is the most expensive type of gunshot wound to treat?
Abdominal injuries
What is the potential negative effect of paying workers in cash on a weekly basis?
It can contribute to crime due to increased alcohol consumption over weekends
What is the potential benefit of firearms as a prevention tool?
To deter potential attackers
What is the definition of crime?
An intentional act in violation of the criminal law committed without legally acceptable defense or excuse, and penalized by the state
What is the 'dark figure of crime' according to the text?
The number of unreported crimes that are not reflected in official statistics
What is the purpose of classification of crime according to the text?
To systematize information in order to know what types of crime there are and then to determine why people commit a particular type of crime
What is the Code of Crime List according to the text?
The classification of crime in South Africa consisting of 35 categories
What are official crime statistics according to the text?
Statistical data compiled by the police, courts and corrections and routinely published by governments as indices of the extent of crime
Study Notes
Crime Categories and Classifications
- South African Police Service (SAPS) utilizes seven specific categories of crime for analysis.
- Property-related crimes may include theft, burglary, or vandalism in the context of SAPS classification.
- The Crime Information Analysis Centre (CIAC) maintains an updated Code of Crime List to classify crimes systematically.
Criticisms of Crime Classification
- Common criticisms arise from the oversimplification of crime types and categories leading to inaccuracies.
Alcohol and Brain Function
- Alcohol impacts higher brain center functions, impairing judgment, self-control, and decision-making.
- Alcohol primarily affects the neurotransmitter GABA, which reduces inhibition and can heighten aggressive behaviors.
- The rational cortex in the drinker's brain becomes less functional, resulting in lowered cognitive abilities.
Understanding the Dark Figure of Crime
- The "dark figure of crime" refers to crimes that go unreported and are not reflected in official statistics.
- Factors contributing to the dark figure include fear of retribution, feelings of shame, or distrust in law enforcement; particularly prevalent in domestic violence cases.
Crime Patterns vs. Trends
- Crime patterns indicate specific incidents or types occurring in particular places, while crime trends reflect long-term changes in crime rates over time.
Crime Fluctuations and Statistics
- Fluctuations in crime trends can be influenced by socioeconomic factors, seasonal changes, and law enforcement practices.
- Limitations of official crime statistics include underreporting and misclassification, which can skew public understanding.
Threats to South Africa and Crime Prevention
- The government's National Crime Prevention Strategy identifies violent crime as a major threat to security and societal welfare.
- Practical steps to combat crime include community policing initiatives, increased surveillance, and better resource allocation to law enforcement agencies.
Urban Growth and Crime Rates
- Unplanned urban growth can lead to higher crime rates due to increased population density, poverty, and unemployment.
- Research suggests a correlation between warmer summer months and a rise in reported crimes, potentially linked to increased outdoor activities.
Government Responsibility
- Multiple government departments, including the SAPS and Justice, work collaboratively to combat and prevent crime in South Africa.
Seasonal Crime Trends and Economic Impacts
- Increased property crimes during holidays may result from empty homes and increased shopping activity.
- Instrumental crimes are often motivated by financial gain, highlighting economic incentives.
- Gunshot wounds incur significant treatment costs, particularly for specific types of injuries.
Employment and Payment Practices
- Paying workers in cash weekly may foster a lack of financial accountability and promote informal economic practices, potentially enabling crime.
- Firearms can serve as a deterrent against crime when used responsibly.
Definitions
- Crime is defined as an act that violates legal statutes and is punishable by law.
- Official crime statistics consist of reported crime data collected by law enforcement agencies and may not reflect the full extent of crime due to underreporting.
"Test Your Knowledge: Understanding Reasons for Underreporting of Crime" - Take this quiz to assess your understanding of the various factors that contribute to underreporting of crime, such as fear of retaliation, lack of trust in law enforcement, shame or embarrassment, and more. Improve your knowledge on this important topic and learn how to address these barriers to reporting crimes.
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