NCJ Number
70011
Journal
International Review of Criminal Policy Issue: 35 Dated: (1979) Pages: 3-12
Date Published
1980
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article, written by a professor on the faculty of criminal law, University of Warsaw, Poland, argues that crime prevention strategies should be directed toward crimes that are socially and economically costly.
Abstract
Types of crime that correspond to this criterion--that of placing an immense social and economic burden upon underpriviledged social groups--include organized economic crime, white-collar crimes, consumer abuse, crime against labor safety, and crime against the environment. Other crime prevention criteria include the gravity of particular crimes, crimes whose rates arre significantly increasing, crimes that evoke public shock and fear, crimes that are expected in the near and distant future, contemporary crimes, and criminal behavior categories that could be most effectively eradicated. The crimes that are listed in the first criterion cause immense damages for human life; affect large segments of people, particularly the underpriviledged; may be more widespread than statistics show; are linked with technological and value changes; and are committed by persons of high social status. Crime prevention measures should include legislation aimed at personal criminal responsibility, fines that could be imposed on large corporations, and sanctions against occupying specific posts, following specific occupations, or engaging in specific activities. Other measures should include consumer education and cooperation of crime control agencies with agencies in such specialized areas as accounting and data processing. Preventive measures for violent crime require a range of solutions which include knowledge of criminal personalities, public attitude changes, and support from the mass communications media. Preventive measures for traffic offenses--a crime whose rates have been increasing significantly--should use fines corresponding to the degree of negligence and the financial situation of the offender. Driving prohibitions should be applied only by courts and only when deemed necessary. Footnotes are provided.