Alternative Positions on Crime and Criminality: An Examination of Perspective from the Margins

Danielle Watson

doi:10.5204/ijcjsd.v8i2.1159

Abstract

The study presents a case for expanding discussions about crime to include ideological variances, circumstances and societal contexts. A content analysis approach was used to interpret civilian interviews reflecting the problematic acceptance of crime as an understood construct and to highlight the need for recognition of interpretative diversities. The study analyses civilians’ perspectives that are critical to an understanding of how they view crime, and outlines the possible impact of such understandings on their relations with police officers. The article presents a case for the consideration of alternative understandings of crime, which contradict state delineation, and for reflection on the potential impact of these interpretations on enhancing the interface between police officers and civilians.

Highlights

The issue of crime remains at the forefront of discussions among stakeholders globally
Policing strategies are placed at the forefront of such discussions, in areas identified as crime hotspots
One is led to question whether police actions resulting in breached civilian trust can be considered an act of criminality, whether descriptions of crime and criminality should be restricted to acts in violation of the law, and what allowances exist to facilitate the consideration of ethical and/or ideological violations

Summary

Introduction

The issue of crime remains at the forefront of discussions among stakeholders globally. Crime management strategies in the twin-island republic include, but are not limited to, policy reform, citizen sensitisation, community outreach and revised policing strategies (Watson and Kerrigan 2018; Watson et al 2018). Policing strategies are placed at the forefront of such discussions, in areas identified as crime hotspots. Most accounts of questionable policing practices relate to instances in which policing is actioned within marginalised communities or communities branded crime hotspots. Sensationalised anecdotes about communities ‘plagued’ with criminal elements, increasing hotspots and acts presented as inhumane further highlight the need for intervention by law enforcement bodies (Romer, Jamieson and Aday 2003; Watson 2016a). One is led to question whether police actions resulting in breached civilian trust can be considered an act of criminality, whether descriptions of crime and criminality should be restricted to acts in violation of the law, and what allowances exist to facilitate the consideration of ethical and/or ideological violations

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion