Criminology - U2 - AC4.1 - Biochemical Crime Control Policies

Antabuse (Drug Treatment)

The drug Antabuse (disulfiram) is used in alcohol treatment to create an aversion to drinking. It causes severe hangover symptoms (nausea, headaches) when alcohol is consumed, helping to discourage further alcohol use. This is often used as part of a broader treatment programme including therapy.

Methadone (Drug Treatment)

Methadone is used to treat heroin addiction by acting as a synthetic opioid substitute. It reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the intense “high” of heroin, helping users avoid illegal drug use and stabilise their lives. It is often administered as part of a long-term maintenance programme.

Valium (Drug Treatment)

Valium (diazepam) is a benzodiazepine used to calm anxiety and agitation in prisoners, particularly those who may become violent. It works as a sedative to reduce aggression. However, its long-term use can lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms.

Stilbestrol (Drug Treatment)

Stilbestrol (diethylstilbestrol, or DES) is a synthetic oestrogen hormone used for chemical castration in sex offenders. It suppresses testosterone, reducing sexual drive. Side effects include feminisation (breast development) and mood disturbances, making it controversial and less commonly used today.

Vitamins, Minerals, and Fatty Acids (Dietary Control)

Supplementing prisoners’ diets with vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids has been found to reduce anti-social behaviour by addressing nutritional deficiencies that may contribute to aggression. Studies like those by Gesch et al. have shown improvement in behaviour following dietary supplementation.

Vitamin B3 (Dietary Control)

Vitamin B3 (niacin) has been used in the treatment of schizophrenia, which can sometimes be associated with violent behaviour. It helps by improving brain function and correcting deficiencies, making it a possible therapeutic approach for some forms of mental illness linked to aggression.

Artificial Colouring Tartrazine (Dietary Control)

Tartrazine is an artificial food colour that has been linked to hyperactivity, particularly in children with ADHD. Removing foods containing tartrazine from children’s diets has been shown to reduce impulsive and hyperactive behaviour, offering a non-chemical approach to managing certain behavioural issues.

Surgery (Surgical Control)

Surgical interventions, such as lobotomy or chemical castration, have been used to control criminal behaviour. These surgeries alter the offender's brain or body to reduce violent or sexual impulses. However, they are highly controversial due to their ethical implications and serious side effects.

Surgical Castration (Surgical Control)

Surgical castration is a procedure that involves the removal of the testicles to reduce sexual drive, typically used for repeat sex offenders. While some countries (e.g., Denmark, USA) have used it as a treatment for sex offenders, it is controversial due to its permanent effects and ethical concerns regarding bodily autonomy.

Lobotomy (Surgical Control)

Lobotomy is a now-rare surgical procedure where the connections in the brain’s frontal lobes are severed to control violent behaviour. It was once used for patients with schizophrenia or aggressive tendencies. However, the procedure often resulted in severe side effects like personality changes and cognitive impairments, leading to its decline in use.

Tear gas (Crowd Control)

Tear gas is a chemical agent used in crowd control to disperse rioters or large crowds. It causes eye irritation, difficulty breathing, and disorientation. Though effective in crowd management, it can cause long-term lung damage and, in rare cases, even death, making its use controversial in public order policing.