Compare And Contrast Rational Choice And Routine Activities Theory

1. Compare and contrast rational choice and routine activities theories how they would explain street level drug sales, petty theft, and DUI.

These theories are similar because they both explain crime and the different reason, and influences individuals have when they commit crime. These theories also commit crime differently with different influences.

Rational choice and routine activies are macro leveled choices they are different in many ways.Rational choice theory is based off of the fundamental tenets of classical criminology, which hold that people freely choose their behavior and are motivated by the avoidance of pain and the pursuit of pleasure and benefits. Rationa choice provides a micro perspective on why individual offenders decide

According to Felson and Cohen the reason for the increase is that prosperity of contemporary society offers more opportunities for criminal behaviors to occur. According to this theorectical perspective, there are three main elements nessary for a crime to occur. Motivated offenders mustcome in contact with suitable targets in the absence of capable guradians. These three elements must converge in time and space for a crime to occur.This theory gives off a macro perspective on crime in that it predicts how changes in social and economic conditions influence the overall crime and victimization rate. Cohen and Felson felt criminal activities are not structurally significant phenomenon, meaning that the crime is not random but more calculated. The choice is influenced by the offenders perception of the targets vulnerability and accessability. This also means that the criminal motivations can be reduced if offenders perceive that there are alternative to crimes. The presence of capable guradians are also to deter criminal

Using the ideas from the situational crime prevention chapter, come up with 2 policy recommendations that could be used to control each of the crimes listed above (6 policy recommendations total). You will get 2 extra points if none of your policies are police-based.

Street level drug sale

Mandatory stop and search only with possible suspicion- In specific places like stores and restaurants. These stop and searches would be conducted from the restaurants and store employees only. If the individual denies to be search then the store is allowed to kick customer out. This would deter the individual from carrying drugs around.

Petty theft

More surveillance cameras in specific location where there is a lot of theft.

Security, (similar to neighborhood watch) These individuals keep a look out on the business, to try to deter and reduce theft

Both policies would increase the efforts to commit the crime, because the offender would have to dodge cameras and security.

DUI

Mandatory DUI Program – This program would be for adults and children, that informs individuals monthly on the dangers drinking and driving can