Questions and Answers
What do situational crime prevention measures aim to reduce?
What is an example of reducing physical opportunities in crime prevention?
Using a more secure lock
Situational crime prevention ignores the motivations of criminals.
True
What is one major criticism of situational crime prevention?
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Which theory considers the routine activities of victims?
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Situational crime prevention is similar to _______ activity theory.
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What is one strategy to increase the risk of being caught?
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What is an application of situational crime prevention in neighborhood design?
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Study Notes
Environmental Design and Crime
- Crime theories from previous lessons focused primarily on criminal motivation.
- In the 1970s, sociologists proposed that situational factors also influence crime occurrence.
- Offenders require opportunities to commit crimes, influenced by their surroundings.
- Situational crime prevention suggests reducing opportunities can deter crime.
- Comparison with routine activity theory highlights three elements: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable guardian.
Main Prevention Measures
- Two primary strategies in situational crime prevention: reducing physical opportunities and increasing risks of being caught.
- Reducing physical opportunities involves environmental alterations to complicate crime commission.
- Example: installing secure locks can deter criminals unwilling to invest time.
- Increasing the risk of capture does not solely rely on police presence; public reporting plays a role.
- Fear of retaliation often prevents public interference during crimes.
Environmental Design Applications
- Crime can be deterred through environmental design, minimizing opportunities for criminal activities.
- Examples include cul-de-sacs limiting access for potential criminal behavior, facilitating resident surveillance.
- Critics argue some crimes, like bank robberies, are not opportunistic and may require different deterrence strategies.
- Increasing the risk of being caught, such as hiring security personnel or installing cameras, can reduce bank robbery occurrences.
Comparison with Dispositional Theories
- Dispositional theories include social disorganization theory, general strain theory, traits theories, and life course theory.
- These theories focus on individual traits and societal factors influencing criminal behavior, contrasting with the situational approach.
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Description
Explore key concepts of Situational Crime Prevention through a series of flashcards. This quiz covers essential theories, including Environmental Design and how it relates to crime. Enhance your understanding of the various factors involved in criminal behavior beyond mere motivation.
