RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY Also known as Rational Decision

RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY Also known as Rational Decision Making Gary Becker (1960’s) A decision made to commit a crime after weighing all of the potential benefits and consequences.

Rational Choice Theory Criminals behave in a predictable rational way when deciding to commit a crime. Criminals engage in a: COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS

Rational Choice Theory James Q. Wilson (crime causation) 1. Criminals value the THRILLS of the crime. 2. Criminals take GREATER CHANCES compared to most people.

Rational Choice Theory 3. If criminals were 100% convinced they would get severe punishment, only the IRRATIONAL would commit crime.

Rational Choice Theory A criminal may also decide NOT to engage in crime if the COSTS outweigh the BENEFITS.

Offense Specific Crime A criminal decides if the crime he is considering is worth it.

Offender Specific Crime A criminal decides if they have what it takes to commit a particular crime: Skill Motives Needs Fears All the above are examined.

Crime and Personality Crime is an EVENT Criminality is a PERSONALITY TRAIT Criminals DO NOT commit crimes all the time.

Personal Factors Economic need and opportunity Example: (Selling drugs – The more drugs you need the more you will sell)

Personal Factors Cont. The belief that the criminal activity will provide more money compared to conventional means. Criminal may believe they can not make money legitimately.

Personal Traits Characteristics of criminals: 1. Often IMPULSIVE 2. Often under STRESS (personal problems) 3. Often do NOT fear PUNISHMENT

Crime is a business Criminals learn the BUSINESS aspect of their crime. Example: Drug dealers cutting pure drugs with other substances to MAXIMIZE PROFITS. (This is a RATIONAL EVENT)

Place of the Criminals carefully pick the place of the crime. Example: Drug dealers pick the DESIREABILITY of their SALES AREA.

Targets of Crime Criminals pick their targets. 1. Burglars may check to be sure no one is home. 2. May ring door bell. 3. Call on phone

Targets of Crime Cont. 4. Observe patterns Note: Burglars often work between 9 am to 11 am and in the mid afternoon as parents may be at work or dropping their children off at school.

Situational Crime Prevention REDUCE criminal activity by eliminating or reducing particular crimes in narrow settings. Guard targets carefully Control the means to commit crime Monitor potential offenders

Defensible Space Design areas that will reduce criminal activity. Ex. Well lit parking lots.

Situational Crime Prevention Strategies: Develop tactics to eliminate a specific crime problem. Ex. Shoplifting in a particular mall

Situational Crime Prevention Strategies Increase the effort needed to commit a crime. EX. Locks Unbreakable Glass Fences Alarms ETC.

Situational Crime Prevention Strategies Increase the RISK of committing the crime. Improve the effectiveness of CRIME DISCOURAGERS

Situational Crime Prevention Categories of Crime Discouragers: Guardians (Police, Security) Handlers (DPO’S, Parents) Managers ( Home Owners, Garage attendants)

Mechanical Crime Discouragers Non Human

General Deterrence Increasing the real or perceived threat of criminal punishment.