CJ 340 Module Four Journal

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1 Module Four Journal Southern New Hampshire University CJ-340-R3041 Criminology 24EW3

2 Module Four Journal One theory that may explain why criminals commit crimes is the interactionist theory, which posits that certain sociological perspectives may have a direct influence on how individuals construct meaning through their interactions with others (Dobash, 1979). Thus, since the interactionist theory relies on the general idea that individuals' interactions with others may contribute to an increase in crime rates, this ultimately poses significant challenges for law enforcement professionals within the criminal justice system. Some of these challenges that law enforcement professionals face consist of dealing with criminals who engage in deviant behavior as a result of the labeling, differential association, and social learning theories, which all ultimately fall under the interactionist theory (Alder et al., 2021). However, one noteworthy theory within the interactionist framework, particularly relevant to policing, is the social control theory, which emphasizes compliance with societal norms and regulations. As a result, regardless of the type of criminal offender, law enforcement professionals are charged with promoting safe communities and strengthening police-community relations by developing an understanding of how these interactions may ultimately influence criminal behavior. Regarding programs and policies in place that aim to improve community-police relations, one program worth mentioning that aligns with the idea of the social control theory would be neighborhood watch programs. (bja.ojp.gov, n.d.) As defined by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, neighborhood watch programs involve residents in a community who collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to enhance safety and reduce crime. Additionally, programs aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency would be youth engagement outreach programs. In general, youth engagement outreach programs aim to reduce juvenile delinquency by bridging the gap between law enforcement and juvenile offenders to

3 address, educate, and inform juvenile offenders of the consequences of continual delinquency (cops.usdoj.gov, 2020). Furthermore, certain laws and policies created in response to the idea of the social control theory have been implemented throughout the years to combat crime and delinquency while also reducing incarceration rates. One example of such a policy (or law, depending on the state) would be restorative justice practices, which seek to address the harm caused by the offender through victim-offender mediation, the promotion of accountability, and more (ojjdp.ojp.gov, 2021). Furthermore, in assessing the effectiveness of the social control theory in preventing or reducing crime, statistics show that restorative justice programs implemented in the State of California produced an 87 percent decline in suspensions, as well as expulsions being reduced to zero (Sumner et al., 2010). As a result, this may ultimately reduce the possibility of developing a school-to-prison pipeline and a reduction in overall crime rates. Furthermore, the social control theory may also influence approaches to sentencing and correctional procedures. Regarding sentencing, an example of how the social control theory may impact sentencing includes the three-strikes law. State statutes, such as the three-strikes law, act as a form of punishment and deterrent for criminal offenders by imposing significantly harsher punishments for repeat criminal offenders (law.cornell.edu, 2023). As a result, criminal offenders who are repeat felons may ultimately face life in prison based on their criminal history. Moreover, sentencing procedures such as these that align with the social control theory may also influence correctional procedures through general incapacitation, general deterrence, and selective incapacitation for high-risk offenders. In summary, the social control theory poses significant implications for both juvenile and adult populations within the criminal justice system. By emphasizing the adherence to society’s norms and regulations, programs and policies aimed at improving community-police relations, such as neighborhood watch programs and

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4 youth-engagement outreach initiatives, may adequately address the underlying sociological dynamics that ultimately influence criminal behavior. Additionally, laws and policies such as restorative justice practices and the three-strikes law highlight the direct influence of the social control theory on sentencing and correctional procedures. This is accomplished by shaping alternative approaches to punishment while reducing incarceration rates (restorative justice), deterring criminal offenders through incapacitation (three-strikes law), and decreasing the possibility of committing recidivism, respectively.

5 References: Dobash, R. (1979). Book Review: Social Deviance: Perspectives and Prospects: by CHARLES S. SUCHAR. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. 1978. 289 pp. £5.00 P/B. Urban Studies, 16(3), 361-362. https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1080/713702542 Freda Adler, William Laufer, and Gerhard O. Mueller. (2021). Criminology, 10 th Edition. [[VitalSource Bookshelf version]]. Retrieved from: vbk://9781264169658. Bja.ojp.gov. (n.d.). Neighborhood Watch Manual USAonWatch National Neighborhood Watch Program . https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/Publications/NSA_NW_Manual.pdf Cops.usdoj.gov. (2020). Police Youth Programs: Much More than Fun and Games . https://cops.usdoj.gov/html/dispatch/03-2020/youth_programs.html Ojjdp.ojp.gov. (2021). Restorative Justice for Juveniles . https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/model-programs- guide/literature-reviews/restorative-justice-for-juveniles#4-0 Micheal Sumner, Carol Silverman, & Mary Frampton. (2010). School-Based Restorative Justice As An Alternative To Zero-Tolerance Policies: Lessons From West Oakland . https://www.law.berkeley.edu/files/thcsj/10-2010_School- based_Restorative_Justice_As_an_Alternative_to_Zero-Tolerance_Policies.pdf Law.cornell.edu. (2023). Three strikes law . https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/three_strikes

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