The_Future_of_Crime_Theory

The Future of Crime Theory Researchers have debated crime causation for centuries. The major reason for developing theory on crime causation is to develop appropriate and effective prevention methods (Akers & Sellers, 2004). Most theories individualize and researchers consider select influences like biological, psychological, and sociological, crime predicators. Concerned only with the nature of crime, classical crime causation theory focuses mainly on the crime and little attention on the criminal’s nature. For instance, deterrence theory is a core principle of classical school of theories. This theory holds that crime control is through fear of various degrees of punishments. Deterrence theory is a critical element of the United States justice system. Problems with this theory lie in the exclusions of ‘why’ the offender committed the crime, and ‘what’ influenced this behavior. High rates of recidivism are clear testimony to the failure of deterrence theory. New criminological research has broader views, recognizing the limitations of non-integrative theories of crime causation. Innovative Future Theorists are embracing integrative frameworks of examination (Barak, 2002). The appeal of integrative theories is model diversification of preventative approach allows creative multi-program based solutions. These innovative integrated theories focus on every aspect of an offender’s environment. Criminal behavior, punishment, and crime control, and social stake, all are part of an individualized approach at addressing causes of crime. Crime causation has no true primer. Though some crimes such as robbery or theft have a directly relatable cause, typically money issues, most causes for crime are complex (American Law and Legal Information, 2011). To apply a generic punishment for crimes similar in nature fails to address the issue of recidivism. This is very apparent in violent crimes. Differential Coercion Theory Mark Colvin’s recent integrated crime causation theory, referred to as differential coercion theory, is the combination of specific elements from theories of general strain, self-control, social learning, social support, and control balance (Barak, 2002). Dynamic theory like differential coercion is reflective of causation, reduction, and punishment. Differential coercion theory considers degrees of coercion and consistency that affects any legal or illegal outcome. Differential coercion applies to acute street, exploratory, or professional criminals. “Integration at both the inter-personal and macro-social levels reveals how differential levels of coercion and consistency appear in micro processes of social control and at the macro level involving larger economic and cultural forces in society” (Barak, 2002). Violent Criminals Violent crimes, such as multiple murders, or serial killers, have been the interest of researchers since H.H. Holmes, the first known serial killer (Schmid, 2005). Though some researchers label serial killers as psychotically affected, some find many to be high functioning, psychologically sound. The cause of violent types of crimes becomes the focus of many profilers, who attempt to explain how one becomes such a violent criminal (Myer, 2000). To accomplish such a task requires an integrated crime theory developed from the offender’s birth to his or her apprehension. Only through extensive dissecting of all influences is it possible to understand the motivations behind committing violent crime. One aspect of an offender’s life does not hold the answers to such brutal victimizations. Integrating for Success Integrative theories for violent crimes integrate multiple theories and apply formal recommendations (Barak, 2002). Other integrative theories for less violent crimes are less formalistic and consist of conceptualizing relationships between levels motivators, social organizations and cultures, and structures of relationships. Integrative theories require, from the beginning, many interpretations of what crime causation is. As with most research, researchers often find variables they cannot duplicate. Employing integrated crime theories, as a means of addressing crime prevention, presents the necessary tools to individualize each case. Conclusion Explanations offered over the years for crime causation are many. Some researcher’s ideas are accepted and some debated. When explanatory theory creates debate there is an impasse, uncertainty prevails, and policy is lacking. This uncertainty and complexity of crime causation has caused criminal justice organizations to abandon crime theory. Criminal justice organizations focus more on just deserts in sentencing and recidivism and crime prevention remain on the back burner. The attitude that no crime causation theory works has developed a tendency to isolate crime control policy from theory. Crime control policies and crime causation theory are inseparably connected. Lack of action by criminologist, to develop integrated theories of crime causation, delays efforts to prevent and respond to criminal acts. References Akers R.L. & Sellers C.S. (2004). Criminological Theories: Introduction, Evaluation, and Application , 4th Edition. In Roxbury Publishing Company Website Retrieved August 15, 2011 from: http://roxbury.net/images/pdfs/ct4ssg.pdf American Law and Legal Information (2011). Causes of Crime - Explaining Crime, Physical Abnormalities, Psychological Disorders, Social And Economic Factors, Broken Windows, Income And Education. In Net Industries Website Retrieved August 15, 2011 from: http://law.jrank.org/pages/12004/Causes-Crime.html Barak (2002). Integrative Theories, Integrating Criminology’s. In ASC Division on Critical Criminology Retrieved August 14, 2011 from: http://critcrim.org/critpapers/barak_integrative.htm Myer C. (2000). Introduction to Criminal Profiling. In Criminal Profiling Research Website Retrieved August 15, 2011 from: http://www.criminalprofiling.ch/introduction.html Schmid D. (2005). Serial Killer, Non-Fiction. In Crime Culture Website Retrieved August 15, 2011 from: http://www.crimeculture.com/Contents/Serial_Killers_NonFiction.html