Choice Theories and Crime

354 Words2 Pages
There are many different theories of how to help prevent crime around the world. Choice theories are theories based on many beliefs that people have a choice. After reading our text; all the different theories the book talks about it comes down to one think for most of the choice theories; having the choice. The rational choice theory is one that is solely based on choice of the criminal. It is said that the criminals know what they are doing is wrong, and will end them with punishment by law in some form or another but see that the benefits of committing the crime are worth more than the punishment they will suffer for committing the crime. Another theory that seems to be based off the belief that one has the choice would be the routine activities theory. This theory states that “the risk of criminal victimization varies dramatically among the circumstances and locations in which people place themselves and their property.” In other words, if you make the choice to go to a gas station late at night, that has no other cars parked at it, alone: the likelihood of your vehicle being stolen while you’re out of it paying for gas is higher than it would be if you would have stopped to get gas in the middle of the day, at a busy gas station with a friend. I believe that choice theories can have an enormous affect on society. I believe that a lot of these choice theories and some of the truth they have behind them are the reasons neighborhoods have “neighborhood watch” and things of that nature helping to prevent crime within their neighborhood. I also believe that it is a huge reason why security is place at certain locations by business owners. Overall I believe that these theories are believed to be true by many and that is the reason so many people are on “watch”. I would say common models for society to determine what is considered criminal would be if someone is
Open Document