Motivation of the Persistent Robber (From Crime and Justice: A Review of Research, Volume 14, P 277-306, 1991, Michael Tonry, ed. -- See NCJ-130417)

• NCJ Number: 130423
• Author(s): J Katz
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 30 pages
• Sale Source: University of Chicago Press
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The motivation of offenders who are unusually persistent in committing robbery, even after serving lengthy prison terms, is examined through a review of recent research literature.

Abstract

The analysis concludes that these offenders do not use a rational cost-benefit process to decide to commit robbery and that what the victim has to offer and what the offender desires both emerge within each robbery situation. In addition, the persistent offenders' commitment to robbery is an aspect of the deviant social environments in which they operate. Moreover, persistent robbers are distinguished by their attraction to the use of violence, and their attraction to robbery reflects their fascination with controlling a wide range of chaotic circumstances. The findings suggest the need for research focused more specifically on this type of offender, using ethnographic materials and approaches, rather than on robbers in general. 51 references (Author summary modified)