CJ 306 Project Two Memo Assignment

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School

Southern New Hampshire University *

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Course

306

Subject

Sociology

Date

Apr 3, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by ChefIron13876

CITY OF GREENVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM DATE: December 3, 2023 TO: The Mayor of Greenville FROM: Dominique Bishop RE: Criminological Theories Guiding Policy Updates I am conducting a theoretical analysis of the issue at hand in Greenville, increased property crimes, and creating a working hypothesis that explains why there is a spike in property crimes in the city. This analysis will focus on how and why specific criminological theories can inform new policies that will be more effective than those in place. It will also explain both the immediate and long-term effects that result from the issue of property crimes. One criminological theory that could explain a spike in property crimes in a city is the social disorganization theory. According to this theory, crime rates increase in areas with weakened social ties and a lack of community control. Factors such as poverty, unemployment, and residential mobility can lead to social disorganization, which in turn can contribute to an increase in property crimes as individuals feel disconnected from their community and are less likely to conform to societal norms. Another relevant theory is routine activities theory, which suggests that crime occurs when a motivated offender, a suitable target, and a lack of capable guardians converge in time and space. A spike in property crimes could be attributed to changes in the daily routines of potential offenders and targets, such as shifts in employment patterns or alterations in the physical environment that make targets more accessible. Both of these theories provide valuable insights into the potential causes of a spike in property crimes within a city. Social disorganization theory allows criminologists to analyze crime problems by examining the breakdown of social structures and community controls. By identifying areas with high levels of poverty, unemployment, residential instability, and low social cohesion, analysts can reveal underlying criminogenic conditions that contribute to increased property crimes. Similarly, routine activities theory facilitates the analysis of crime issues by focusing on the convergence of motivated offenders, suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians. This approach helps identify specific environmental and situational factors that create opportunities for property crimes, shedding light on underlying criminogenic conditions within a given area. Based on theoretical analysis, it is hypothesized that the spike in property crimes in the city is attributable to a combination of social disorganization and shifts in routine activities. As per social disorganization theory, the city's increased poverty, high residential turnover, and weakened community ties have created an environment conducive to criminal behavior. Additionally, changes in routine activities, such as altered employment patterns and increased availability of suitable targets, have provided more significant opportunities for property crimes,

aligning with routine activities theory. Therefore, the spike in property crimes can be attributed to a convergence of criminogenic conditions resulting from social disorganization and shifts in routine activities within the city. The short-term immediate damage resulting from a spike in property crimes includes direct harm to individual victims, such as financial loss, emotional distress, and feelings of insecurity. Victims may experience trauma and disruption to their daily lives, leading to heightened fear and decreased well-being within the community. Additionally, property crimes can erode trust and cohesion among community members, leading to increased feelings of vulnerability and reduced social capital. Furthermore, the economic impact on local businesses and property values can contribute to a sense of instability and decreased quality of life within the community, amplifying the immediate damage caused by the issue. The broader implications and long-term repercussions of a sustained spike in property crimes can be significant for the community. These may include a decline in property values, businesses choosing to relocate, and a reduction in community investment. Additionally, residents may experience chronic feelings of insecurity and fear, leading to social withdrawal and decreased community engagement. Trust in local institutions and social cohesion may diminish over time, potentially contributing to a breakdown in the community's ability to self-regulate and address other social issues. Furthermore, the long-term impact on the community's reputation and desirability as a place to live and invest can profoundly influence future economic development and social well-being.

References Sandel, W., & Mullins, W. (2019). Social disorganization theory. In The SAGE Encyclopedia of Criminal Psychology (Vol. 4, pp. 1406-1408). SAGE Publications, Inc., https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483392240 Cohen, L. E., & Felson, M. (1979). Social change and crime rate trends: A routine activity approach. American Sociological Review, 44 (4):588-608. https://criminologyweb.com/routine-activities-theory-definition-of-the-routine- activity-approach-to-crime/

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