Advancing restrictive deterrence: A qualitative meta-synthesis

Abstract

PurposeRestrictive deterrence refers to the strategies offenders use to reduce their risk in response to sanctions. It occurs when offenders reduce the frequency, severity, or duration of their offending, or displace their crimes temporally, spatially, or tactically. We summarize and synthesize qualitative research focused on restrictive deterrence. MethodsWe conduct a qualitative meta-synthesis (QMS) on research on restrictive deterrence with the aims of integrating, comparing, and translating findings across 17 studies. The studies examine restrictive deterrence in drug dealing, prostitution and auto-theft. The method reveals coherent themes and provides interpretations spanning the works to guide further investigation. ResultsOffenders use strategies for avoidance and management of arrest risk and mitigation of punishment in response to sanction threats. Their advance plans and mental preparations structure crime choices. However, both their decisions and their strategies are subject to many influences including variable frictions, restricted options, and bounded rationality. ConclusionsReductions in offending from deterrent efforts, including the frequency, duration and severity of crime is crime-contingent and partially offset by offenders becoming more embedded in criminal networks and emboldened as they perceive their adaptations as effective.