Criminology - U2 - AC4.1 - Strain/Subcultural​ Left Realist​ (Marxist) Policies Evaluation

Multi-Agency Approach – Advantage: Improved Information Sharing

Invokes cooperation between police, social services, schools, and others to share risk information early, especially with youth or vulnerable individuals.

Multi-Agency Approach – Advantage: Holistic Support for Offenders

Addresses underlying causes like trauma, addiction, or poverty rather than just punishing the crime.

Multi-Agency Approach – Advantage: Focus on Prevention

Enables early intervention to stop offending before it starts, especially in youth or at-risk individuals.

Multi-Agency Approach – Advantage: Successful Policy Example

The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 led to Youth Offending Teams, which helped reduce youth reoffending.

Multi-Agency Approach – Disadvantage: Coordination Challenges

Different agencies may have conflicting goals, leading to poor communication or delayed action.

Multi-Agency Approach – Disadvantage: Confidentiality Barriers

Data protection laws may stop agencies from sharing crucial information.

Multi-Agency Approach – Disadvantage: Accountability Issues

No clear responsibility when something goes wrong; agencies may blame each other.

Multi-Agency Approach – Disadvantage: Expensive and Resource Heavy

Requires long-term funding, staff time, and training—often lacking during budget cuts.

Multi-Agency Approach – Overall Effectiveness

Effective with proper resources and coordination, but vulnerable to funding and communication issues.

Democratic Policing – Advantage: Builds Trust Through Community Engagement

PCSOs and neighbourhood policing increase visibility and improve relationships with local people.

Democratic Policing – Advantage: Reflects Public Priorities

Allows policing to focus on local concerns like hate crime or domestic violence.

Democratic Policing – Advantage: Reduces Focus on Minor Offences

Low-priority status for offences like cannabis possession frees up resources for more serious issues.

Democratic Policing – Advantage: Based on Left Realist Ideas

Encourages ‘policing by consent’ and tackling concerns of working-class communities and victims.

Democratic Policing – Disadvantage: Risk of Politicisation

Policing decisions may follow political or media agendas instead of crime data or justice needs.

Democratic Policing – Disadvantage: Inconsistent Enforcement

Priorities may vary by area, leading to unequal treatment and inconsistent responses to crime.

Democratic Policing – Disadvantage: May Underplay Serious Threats

Too much focus on visible or popular issues may leave serious or hidden crimes under-policed.

Democratic Policing – Overall Effectiveness

Improves public trust and aligns with community needs, but success depends on consistent strategy and public cooperation.