NCJ Number
164758
Date Published
1995
Length
32 pages
Annotation
An integrated approach to crime prevention is described that encompasses self-control, temptation, friction, and punishment, and demands that may be made on criminal justice system policy to reduce crime and increase security are discussed.
Abstract
The paper focuses on dominant theories of individual crime causes (control theory, rational choice theory, and routine activity theory) and their implications for crime prevention strategies. In order to reduce crime and improve security, a national crime prevention strategy is required that coordinates preventive work of the criminal justice system with the work of other crime prevention bodies. When a national crime prevention strategy is formulated and implemented, it is important to have a clear definition of what crime prevention is, start from a knowledge-based theory of individual crime causes, identify and coordinate crime prevention resources within society, design appropriate instruments for measuring the effects of criminal justice system policy, and identify a national organization responsible for crime prevention. Effects of crime trends on the criminal justice system are considered, and crime causes and crime prevention are examined in terms of individual propensity to commit crime, social control, the threat of punishment, rational choice theory, the temptation to commit a crime, societal development and frictions, the risk of detection, social crime prevention and self-control, and situational crime prevention. 66 references and 8 figures