4.1-assess the use of sociological theories in informing policy development

what is penal populism?

Penal populism is promising harsher prison sentences to get more votes in elections.

what murder case triggered penal populism?

James Bulgar

What changes has penal populism led to?

Harsher sentences for crime and automatic life sentences for some crimes if you are on a second offence.

downsides of penal populism?

Prisons have been overcrowded every year since 1994 (when penal populism was being implemented). More prison sentences in the UK than in the whole of Europe combined.

what is zero tolerance?

The idea that all crimes should be dealt with no matter how trivial/serious.

what sociological theory for crime favours a zero tolerance approach?

Right realism.

what theory can be linked to zero tolerance? (not right realism)

broken windwows theory-the idea that if a place looks run down there will be more crime.

Strength of zero tolerance?

It has been tested in various area’s (for example Kings cross) and crime had decreased on average by 25%

weakness of zero tolerance?

Can lead to accusations of heavy handedness by the police, especially towards racial groups that can lead to rioting.

What is restorative justice?

Restorative justice is the idea of allowing reconcilliation between the victim and offender.

what crimes are restorative justice good for?

DUI/Manslaughter as it allows the offender to take reponsiblity and see the impact that their actions had.

strengths of restorative justice?

85% of victims were satisfied with the process. Additionally, 1.      Restorative justice reduces the frequency of offending. This leads to 9 pound being saved for every 1pound spent in the criminal justice system.

weakness of restorative justice?

Only can be used for a limited amount of crimes. Previously used for sexual assault cases which was very ineffective.

what crime is CCTV effective at reducing?

theft.

what crimes are CCTV ineffective at reducing?

violent crime

what is CCTV useful for?

helps provide video evidence for the police, which allows identification of suspects and to judge the nature/severity of a crime.

strength of CCTV?

reduces crime-surveillance theory-means if people think there’s a chance that their being watched they will behave like it.

weakness of CCTV?

crime just gets moved to area’s without CCTV.

what is a multi agency approach?

a multi agency approach is multiple agencies working together to reduce crime.

what is section 3 of the crime disorder act of 1998?

The law that places statutory duty on authorities to work together to reduce crime.