CRIME

Effectiveness of problem orientated policing initiatives in crime prevention



Effectiveness of problem orientated policing initiatives in crime prevention

Introduction

As the world is progressing rapidly with new advancements in technology and other fields, the initiatives taken by the criminals to commit illegal attempts have also been modernized. The criminals now commit an array of crimes ranging from street crime to crimes in the cyber space. However, for maintaining harmony in a nation and allowing citizens to lead a peaceful life, it is immensely important that proper measures are taken by the law enforcing agencies to reduce the rate of crime, and restore peace. Hence, all the measures taken by the officials to lessen crime, impose the law, and preserve criminal fairness are known as crime prevention measures. It is the responsibility of the state department to take all the necessary measures to prevent the civilians to be robed of their valuable property, and provide the environment where they could leave with peace. Hence, several measures are being taken by the state governments of each country to reduce the incidences of crime. However, these measures have been designed on the basis of some theoretical grounds.

Aims and objectives

This study has the following aims and objectives:

This study is being conducted with a view of exploring the various theories that exist in the context of criminology on the basis of which; the measures have been devised to control crime in the society.

This study will also highlight the various measures that have been adopted by the crime control agencies to prevent crime in the society. It will identify the grounds on the basis of which the measures have been devised, and will evaluate their effectiveness in avoiding crime.

Theories for crime investigation

Several theories exist to provide a framework for measures to control crime for prevention; however, this research will highlight the following theories:

Rational Choice Theory: it holds that individuals freely choose behaviours that maximize the pleasure while minimizing the costs linked to it (Siegel and McCormick, 2006)

Routine Activity Theory: it explains lifestyle as the main cause of youth being involved in criminal offenses (Felson and Cohen, 1980, p. 389)

Situational crime prevention: it emphasises on dipping crime incidences by scheming secure environments and more-safe consumer products (Plant and Scott, 2009, p.33)

Broken Windows Theory: it emphasises that if minor issues are left unaddressed in an area, they can lead to serious criminal offense (Plant and Scott, 2009, p.35)

Measures taken by crime prevention agencies

Several measures have been devised to provide to control crime for prevention; however, this research will highlight the following measures:

Policing and other surveillance

Social and community services

Campaigns and publicity

Security devices

Discussion

Several theories of describing crime have been formulated by various authors. The term “Broken Windows” was coined by a political scientist James Q. Wilson and a police scholar George Kelling. According to this theory, it emphasises that if minor issues are left unaddressed in an area, they can lead to serious criminal offense. Policing in American has been influenced by this idea, ...