Blackwell, Tonya - Week 5 Comparative Analysis oftion

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May 24, 2024

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A Comparative Analysis of Criminology Theories and the Impact on Police Patrol Procedures and Strategies for Crime Prevention Tonya L. Blackwell Department of Criminal Justice, American Public University System CMRJ 501: Criminology Dr. Mark Bond May 5, 2024

1 A Comparative Analysis of Criminology Theories and the Impact on Police Patrol Procedures and Strategies for Crime Prevention So, what causes crime? Can policing procedures and strategies be used to help prevent it? Criminologist study how, why, when and under what conditions crime, criminality and victimization occur (Barlow and Kauzlarich, 2010). Attempts to explain why people violate rules is not new, and what we now call criminology dates back to the middle of the eighteenth century (Barlow and Kauzlarich, 2010). To get a better understanding and answers to these questions, criminologist continuously collect and dissected the different aspects of criminal activities. Then this research can be analyzed and scrutinized in many ways to help identify some of the potential causations of criminal activity. This analysis can then be applied to coming up with different policing procedures and strategies. Societies most common theories for the causation of crime is often thought to be the individual’s socio-economic status, familial relationships, friend groups and lack of a stable work force. This research contributes to the different criminological theories and how we can provide a better understanding for policing procedures and identifying strategies in crime prevention. Criminological studies are very complex and multifaceted. There are many areas of studies that are defined in criminology; many involve the different social sciences and communicative or behavioral studies. With the vast number of criminological theories, it exemplifies the complexity of manners and behaviors that are studied by criminologist. So, looking back at al the areas that are studied; It should come as no surprise that that many theories of crime do in fact owe intellectual debts to other fields of study, since criminology is perhaps one of the more interdisciplinary

2 fields of academic inquiry today. Yet the goal of explaining why humans behave the way they do is still elusive (Barlow and Kauzlarich, 2010). In this paper we will compare the Social Learning Theory and Rational Choice Theory and how they contribute to creating police patrol procedures and other strategies for fighting crime prevention. In this analysis we will concentrate on the similarities and differences these theories have and how the comparisons impact policing practices. Social Learning Theory Defining Social Learning Theory Humans have different interpretations of learning theories and different beliefs about how people learn (Wang, 2012) Bandura’s Social Learning Theory explains that criminal behavior through social interaction is learned not inherent. This theory suggests when an individual is surrounded by criminal behavior that this contact can pose what they consider a norm and can lead to mimicking these behaviors. Social Learning Theory emphasis what roles one’s peer groups, familial interaction and surroundings play in their decision making. Based on this theory; when criminal activity is positively reinforced individuals and those they associate with will continue to exhibit these behaviors because they have learned that they are accepting of the crimes. Learning through Observation The main understanding in the Social Learning Theory is learning through observation. At a young age; often times not by choice, individuals develop an understanding what the people they are surrounding themselves with view as the norm. This can be seen in their families, peer groups, and through social interactions. Seeing these behaviors, often times positively

3 reinforced, they view that those actions are acceptable and ultimately they are more likely to repeat them. As children, they look up to those who are older than them and imitate their behaviors. The learner knows whether the learning meets personal need, whether it leads toward what the individual wants to know, whether it illuminates the dark area of ignorance the is experiencing. The locust of evaluation, we might say resides definitely in the learner (Wang, 2012). They identify the different behaviors, patterns, and ideologies and often repeat the motions and actions they have seen for self-gain. If the response to these actions is positive or rewarding, they view them as normal thus often repeating those actions. When such learning takes place, the element of meaning to the learner is built into the whole experience (Wang, 2012). Positive Reinforcement Positive Reinforcement becomes a crucial concept in the Social Learning theory. If a person’s behaviors are looked at positively and encouraged or if the behavior is downcast and dejected, ultimately this plays a huge role if an individual will continue to be involved in these actions. Rewarding one’s behaviors with positive appraisal, being looked at as a leader, or given financial gains will often render an individual to become repeat offenders. In the same aspect as positive reinforcement there are often negative impacts and consequences of one’s behavior. There are certain aspects that contribute to avoid the negative consequences of behavior like deterring apprehension, and the outcast and consequences of disappointing others in your close circle. If there are no consequences for one’s actions this may be just as detrimental and reinforce the negative behaviors thus encouraging negative and criminal like actions. Knowing what drives an individual’s behaviors is critical when trying consider how we react and interact to the acts themselves.

4 Repetitive Behaviors Through Emulation Repeating or copying others behaviors is also a principal concept in social learning theory. This highlights that behaviors are more likely to be repeated or continued if others are being praised and accolades given for their actions. So, when an individual sees that a behavior is being praised this often will mold there way of thinking, what is viewed as appropriate behavior and thus form opinions of how they ultimately act. Repetitive behaviors are reinforced by how successful it is viewed by the individual creating the acts. What are the outcomes and advantages involved for them? In crime, individuals may imitate behaviors which are seen as an advantage or accepted socially in peers and communities. Establishing Police Patrol Procedures and Community Policing According to Social Learning Theory, the impact of one’s social surroundings plays a vital role in what influences criminal behaviors will have on an individual. Positive community policing and relations are key when establishing these relationships. When members of the community and law enforcement officers work as a team to boost these types of relationships it displays a united front and encourages both parties to have more accountability for their actions. When you have a cohesive front; relationships are more open and trusting, and more people within that community are more likely to be involved. This promotes helping growth and influences others which promotes acceptable behaviors. Through this growth officers hope to mold a change in their communities what will detour and reject criminal like behaviors. Supplement Theory Deterrence theory suggests that the threat of punishment will cause criminals to deviate from criminal activities. So, is their reward or punishment for what they are doing? If there are

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