Theory and Policy
Crime is on the increase each passing day and if it is not curbed then the security of the people of the world will be put at risk. It is therefore of great importance to ensure that necessary policies are put in place in order to curb crime increase. Among other policies, it is good to always have very good measures such as ensuring that law breakers are punishable by law. This way, people will strive to abide by these laws. Just like the classical theory which emphasizes punishment and deterrence, which are the basics of controlling crime, crime will be controlled (Siegel 2005).
Criminal justice agencies need to embrace a policy whereby awards and incentives are given to law abiding citizens (Samaha 2012). These incentives may be either physical or even appraisals to those members of the community that keep the law. The possible criminals as well as the renowned criminals need to be reminded this as it may prevent them from committing crimes. On the other hand, crimes that are on the increase need to be compensated with severe punishment depending on the weight of the crime as this may make people avoid committing the crime.
This policy has got a number of benefits as it helps keep possible criminals on guard so as not to find themselves on the wrong side of the law. Because incentives are given, people may want to receive these incentives and therefore avoid crime at all costs. In as much as this policy may be helpful, it may be a bit hard to compensate all citizens and if a few will be compensated, if there is no criteria of choosing who to award, it will be hard to give awards.
If this policy is to be applied, the government as well as the community should work hand in hand in ensuring that the target is achieved. This will begin by implementing it through the use of selected law abiders as well as government officials who will be on the lookout in order to identify the best candidates to receive the incentives. Measures should also be put in place to capture the law breakers who are to be punished depending on the crimes they commit.
Samaha, J. (2012). Criminal Justice. 7th Ed. Belmont: Cengage Learning
Siegel, L. J. (2005). Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies. Belmont: Cengage
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