Police & charities effectiveness in achieving social control

Strengths of the police effectiveness of achieving social control

• They work in the community to prevent crime, trying to keep the public safe and combat anti-social behaviour

• They issue notices ordering people to cease unacceptable behaviour and referring matters to a court if necessary

• Many specialised units trained to deal with issues such as terrorism or incidents involving weapons

• Often first to appear at the scene of a crime and are always contacted in an emergency

• Provide prevention advice

Limitations of the police effectiveness of achieving social control according to The Peel Reports

The Peel Report inspects each of the 31 separate police forces in England and Wales and highlighted several issues of policing:

• Report indicated that the ‘recording data about crime’ and ‘preventing and deterring crime and antisocial behaviour and reducing vulnerability’ are generally good the gradings for ‘responding to the public’, ‘investigating crime’ and ’protecting vulnerable people’ were mostly grades as ‘inadequate’

• Too many forces make decisions based on poor data or insufficient analysis of data

• Forces too often have long term problems and don’t work proactively enough to prevent issues arising in the first place

• Under resources and under skilled

Limitations of the police effectiveness of achieving social control according to budgeting

Police funding fell from £19.3 billion a year in 2009/10 to £16.35 billion in 2013/14.

This lead to a fall in officer in England and Wales, falling from 143,734 to 122,405

Limitations of the police effectiveness of achieving social control according to rising crimes

Between 2002 and 2014 crime rates declined however, from 2-15 onwards, increased form 62 crimes per 1000 people to 89.5 by 2019/20

Charities & pressure groups - arguments for effective social control

• They aim to reduce offending and recidivism and are better placed at this compared to government agencies.

• They have a strong commitment to one particular group or issue so have specialist knowledge of peoples needs.

• They support offenders with housing, welfare benefits and offer other practical support. Helps prevent recidivism

Charities & pressure groups - arguments against effective social control

• They may have limited financial resources. They are generally funded through donations so must persuade people to donate

• There are many charities working in the CJS and are competing with each oteher

• People may not want to provide funds that help those who have broken the law

• They cannot force a government to note, act upon or implement their proposal

• Without the necessary finances, charities may not have the necessary funds to bring about social control.