Crime and Deviance - right realism

Wilson

Provided justification on the zero tolerance policing toward street crime and disorder

Hernstien and Murray

Main cause of crime is low intelligence

Murray

Crime rate is increasing because of a growing underclass who are defined by their deviant behaviour and fail to properly socialise their children. Underclass is growing as a result of welfare dependency.

Bennett at al

Lone mothers are ineffective socialising agents, especially for young boys. Young males turn to other role models on the street and gain status through street crime rather than supporting their families through a steady job.

Clarke - rational choice theory

Decision to commit crime is a choice based on rational calculation of the likely consequences. If the perceived rewards outweigh the costs, then the offender is more likely to offend.

Felson - routine activity theory

For a crime to occur there must be a:

• motivated offender

• suitable target

• absence of a capable guardian

Wilson and Kelling

It is essential to maintain the orderly character of neighbourhoods to prevent crime from taking hold. Any sign of deterioration must be dealt with immediately. The police should focus on controlling the streets so that law-abiding citizens feel safe.

Young - myth of zero tolerance policing

the success of the 1st zero-tolerance policy in NY (1994) was exaggerated by politicians and the police to take credit for falling crime rates. Crime rates had already been falling since 1985 and they were falling in other places that didn’t have zero-tolerance policies.