NCJ Number
95587
Date Published
1984
Length
181 pages
Annotation
The popular myths underlying U.S. crime-control policies are attacked, and government efforts to control crime are criticized as being too costly and misdirected.
Abstract
Ten myths are debunked: (1) crime is increasing, (2) most crime is committed by the poor, (3) some groups are more law abiding than others, (4) white-collar crime is nonviolent, (5) regulatory agencies prevent white-collar crime, (6) rich and poor are equal before the law, (7) drug addiction causes crime, (8) community corrections is a viable alternative, (9) the punishment can fit the crime, and (10) law makes people behave. The importance of the government concentrating not on law enforcement but on action that strengthens American communities and makes them secure is emphasized, and American investment in the security and welfare of the general populace rather than the protection of wealthy vested interests is recommended. The creation of three types of jobs is suggested: (1) businesses in which the general populace can produce goods and services, (2) businesses in which offenders can redeem themselves through legitimate production, and (3) structures in which criminal justice officials can build ways of keeping peace in their communities without law enforcement. Although small businesses are notorious for failing, they have been the source of 70 percent of the growth in American employment in the last decade. This risk must be weighed against the proven failure of conventional approaches to investment and social control. Topical and subject indexes are provided.