How is criminal behavior explicable according to rational theory? What crime control stratagies are effective according to rational theory? How could crimes like this be prevented according to the rational choice theory?
In addition to studying your text materials (which I'm sure your instructor wants), check these sites.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rational_choice_theory_(criminology)
http://books.google.com/books?id=o0rjRPnO7K4C&pg=PA72&lpg=PA72&dq=criminal+justice+rational+theory&source=bl&ots=GjqhDiibio&sig=X5Wc4BifaQgSdBRoG5t-2tfd22g&hl=en&ei=QE1eSqu3JY22M5bQsK4C&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2
Criminal behavior can be explained according to the rational choice theory, which suggests that individuals engage in criminal activities after considering the potential costs and benefits of their actions. According to this perspective, individuals make rational decisions to commit crimes when they perceive that the benefits outweigh the risks.
To understand criminal behavior based on rational theory, it is important to consider various factors, such as the potential monetary gain, personal satisfaction, or social status that an individual may obtain from committing a crime. Additionally, the theory contends that individuals will also consider the likelihood of being caught, the severity of punishment, and the effectiveness of crime control strategies.
In terms of crime control strategies that are effective according to the rational theory, there are a few key approaches:
1. Increasing the certainty of punishment: Rational theory suggests that the more likely criminals perceive themselves to be caught, the less likely they are to engage in criminal behavior. Therefore, increasing the chances of apprehension through measures such as enhanced surveillance, improved investigative techniques, and efficient law enforcement can be effective.
2. Enhancing the severity of punishment: Rational theory suggests that the potential punishment should be substantial enough to outweigh the perceived benefits of committing a crime. The severity of punishment can act as a deterrent, discouraging potential criminals. This could be achieved through legislative reforms, stricter sentencing guidelines, or implementing harsher penalties for specific offenses.
3. Reducing the benefits of crime: Rational theory posits that if the rewards of criminal behavior are diminished, individuals are less likely to engage in such activities. This could involve measures such as creating economic opportunities, improving social welfare, and promoting education and skills development to decrease the motivation for criminal behavior.
4. Targeting situational factors: Rational theory argues that preventing crimes also involves manipulating the immediate environment or situational factors to increase the effort, risks, or rewards associated with criminal behavior. This might include measures like improving security, implementing effective surveillance systems, or enhancing community policing efforts.
To prevent crimes based on the rational choice theory, it is important to focus on effective crime control strategies that increase the perceived risks, decrease the perceived rewards, and create an environment that discourages criminal behavior. It requires a multi-faceted approach involving cooperation between law enforcement agencies, policymakers, community organizations, and social institutions to address the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behavior.