Criminology Research Articles

The Concept of the 'Neighbourhood' in Crime and Place Theory and Its Influence on Police Strategy

The neighbourhood is a basic unit in police work in the city. Throughout the twentieth and twenty- first centuries, theories of crime and place conceptualized the neighbourhood differently; some emphasized sociological aspects, while others focused on physical aspects. Each theory offers different practices for crime reduction and police action strategies in neighbourhoods. This paper shows how the police implement different strategies in a neighbourhood in South Tel Aviv. It argues that the diversity of approaches increases the range and areas of police intervention in the neighbourhood and empowers their control and effect on place. It indicates the dominance of physical and microgeographical approaches over sociological approaches. Methodologically, this paper uses a three-pronged approach: 1. In-depth interviews with police officers and other dominant actors in space; 2. Ethnographic work with the urban police; and 3. Spatial analysis of policework in the neighbourhood. The conclusion discusses the consequences and shortcomings of the current paradigm in policing and suggests three directions as departure points for new thinking on crime and neighbourhoods: rethinking scale; reassessing the subject of concern; and readdressing the entanglement between crime and space.

Review of “Hereditary: The Persistence of Biological Theories of Crime”

Review of “Hereditary: The Persistence of Biological Theories of Crime”

Do Commercial Place Managers Explain Crime Across Places? Yes and NO(PE)

ObjectivesSome criminologists of place have argued that property owners and place managers are the key actors exerting guardianship over crime and driving differences in crime across places, giving rise to the “Neighborhoods Out of Places Explanation” (NOPE) theory of crime. However, research to date has yet to fully evaluate if crime statistically varies across properties, their owners, or surrounding geographies.MethodsData scraped from Yelp.com is used to identify 1070 land parcels that had at least one business receiving reviews from 2014 to 2020. 911 dispatches for disturbances are linked to parcels and measured as the rate of events per Yelp reviewer in the average year. Hierarchical negative binomial modeling-based variance decomposition techniques are used to evaluate how variation in disturbance rates is distributed across parcels, owners, census blocks, and census tracts. Hierarchical negative binomial models are used to assess the correlates of disturbance rates. Sensitivity analyses assess the correlates of disturbance rates using a single-level negative binomial model with bootstrapped standard errors as well as an alternative outcome measure based on count of 911 events.ResultsCommercial disturbance rates vary across parcels, parcel owners, and blocks. At the parcel level, higher Yelp ratings are associated with lower disturbance rates while parcel square footage and land value are associated with increased disturbance rates. Additionally, parcel-level crime disturbance rates are explained by block features such as poverty, violent crime, and the number of Yelp restaurants on the block.ConclusionsParcel, owner, and block features can all help explain why some restaurants have more crime than others. Future research should build on the place management perspective by investigating the wider breadth of potential actors who may exert guardianship over properties while acknowledging that offenders and targets systematically vary across geographies, making effective guardianship more difficult in some locations than others.

CRIMINOGENIC BEHAVIOR WITHIN THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY

This article explores the application of criminological theories to understand and mitigate academic dishonesty, with a focus on the outsourcing of assignments in higher education. Drawing on strain theory, social learning theory, the General Theory of Crime, neutralization theory, and control theory, we analyze the multifaceted roots of academic dishonesty. These theories shed light on the pressures, environmental influences, and rationalizations that lead students to engage in outsourcing behaviors. By integrating these criminological insights, the article provides a comprehensive framework for educators and academic institutions to develop targeted interventions. Recommendations include addressing academic strain, fostering a positive learning environment, enhancing self-control and ethical decision-making skills, countering rationalizations for dishonesty, strengthening institutional bonds, enforcing clear policies, and judiciously using technology. Ultimately, the article advocates for a holistic approach to promoting academic integrity, aiming to reduce the incidence of outsourcing and cultivate an ethical academic culture.

Traditional Crime Control Measures and Criminality in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The study examined traditional crime control measures and criminality in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It identified various traditional crime control measures practiced by Akwa Ibom people. The research made use of primary data which were collected through in-depth interview with the use of interview schedule. Four hundred (400) study respondents were engaged as calculated sample size, Four hundred respondents were randomly selected from twelve (12) purposively selected villages across twelve (12) Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. The state was divided into three clusters namely: Annang, Ibibio and Oron ethnic groups. Routine Activity (RA) theory of crime by Cohen and Felson (1979) was used in the study. Data collected were analyzed thematically in line with the objectives of the study. Findings revealed that there were traditional crime control measures among Akwa Ibom people which include; Idiong, Mbiam, Ukang. Ekpo, Akata, Ekpe, Iban Ison, Nka Nkparawa, Asian Uboikpa, Ayai, Adagha, Ibed Ukot, and Ibed Eyeyen. It was discovered that the rise in crime in the state is due to the abandonment of some traditional crime control measures. It was discovered also that, there exist poor relationship between the police and traditional institutions and this has caused increase in crime in the state. It was recommended that there should be partnership and synergy among traditional and modern crime control agencies in the study area to increase crime control effectiveness Also, government should develop policies that creates avenue for partnership between the police and other traditional institutions toward effective crime control.

The Murky Waters: Climate Change, Migration, and the Evolving Threat of Crime in Nigeria

This paper delves into the multifaceted relationship between climate change and crime in Nigeria, exploring whether climate-related phenomena influence crime rates. Leveraging secondary data from academic and news sources, the study finds evidence that temperature increases, a key facet of climate change, significantly impact specific crime types. Notably, homicides, robberies, herder-farmer conflicts, and burglaries exhibit a positive correlation with rising temperatures. The analysis draws upon the ecological theory of crime, emphasizing how environmental transformations shape crime patterns. Recognizing the potential burden of climate-driven crime, the study recommends incorporating climate change mitigation strategies within Nigeria's criminal justice system and broader policy landscape. This proactive approach offers the potential to not only combat environmental challenges but also mitigate the associated rise in criminal activity.

The Limits of the Theories of Crime Specifically in Relation to Psychopathy and the Implications for Future Research

This article seeks to show the limits of the current theories of crime, specifically in relation to psychopathy. It demonstrates how the current pattern of research tends to be deficit-based and that it is only through exploring the invisible realities of conscience, actual grace, and the role of the devil, that a full picture of reality can be revealed. The example of psychopathy shows the significance a biblical perspective can have, shedding light not only on criminological research, but sociological and psychological research as well. The implications for future research are significant.

Sobre a teoria da imputação objetiva: uma história de sucesso e equívocos – Ao mesmo tempo, uma contribuição à necessidade de revisão do sistema do fato punível

This paper proposes a review of what has come to be known as the theory of objective imputation (objektive Zurechnung), through specialized literature and the main case law in its country of origin. It points out that, despite the notable advances made in relation to result crimes and the bringing together of various criteria that were once dispersed around a single denominator, the two central points of this theory, the creation of an unapproved risk and the materialization of this risk, still lack better systematization and often take on the role of other concepts in the theory of crime, especially that of conduct complying with the crime definition (Tatbestandsmäßiges Verhalten), as well as making inappropriate use of the concept of imputation (Zurechnung).

Judicial Analysis of Violent Crimes (Barelang Police Case Study)

Article 28D paragraph (1) of the Third Amendment to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia affirms that every individual has the right to be recognized, assured protection, and obtain fair legal certainty, as well as equal treatment before the law. The normative juridical research method is descriptive-analytical, conducted by examining literature, legislation, and utilizing legal enforcement theory, Criminal Theory, and Islamic Justice Theory as the issues examined. The research aims to analyze the legal aspects of the implementation of the crime of Robbery with Violence in the verdict number: 344/Pid.B/2019/PN Btm. With the formulation of the problems: How is the legal analysis of the application of the crime of robbery with violence in the criminal case verdict Number: 344/Pid.B/2019/PN Btm, What are the judge's considerations in delivering a verdict on the Crime of Robbery with Violence in the Criminal Case Number: 344/Pid.B/2019/PN Btm. The research findings and discussion indicate that The legal analysis of the application of the crime of Robbery with Violence in the criminal case verdict Number: 344/Pid.B/2019/PN Btm under Article 365 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code (KUHP) on robbery with violence resulted in a sentence of one year and two months imprisonment with a fine of five thousand rupiahs, which the imposed penalty by the panel of judges was considered too lenient. The maximum criminal penalty under Article 365 of the Criminal Code is nine years. The judge's considerations in delivering a verdict on the Crime of Robbery with Violence involve juridical considerations, where the defendant's actions are proven convincingly and meet all elements in Article 365 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code. Non-juridical considerations include the absence of factors that could eliminate criminal liability, either as justifying or mitigating factors, thereby holding the defendant accountable for their actions.

Cybercrime from the perspective of the control over the crime theory in international criminal law

Cybercrime from the perspective of the control over the crime theory in international criminal law

Why Whistleblowing Works: A New Look at the Economic Theory of Crime

Why Whistleblowing Works: A New Look at the Economic Theory of Crime

El Consejo Supremo de Defensa y Prevención Social, 1929–1931: del discurso idealista al fracaso pragmático

This article is a study of the Supreme Council of Defense and Social Prevention, the first institution of its kind in Mexico, founded after the promulgation of the Penal Code of 1929. This entity sought to control crime and rehabilitate offenders, relying on contemporary theories of crime, such as criminal anthropology, social defense, and the third school. However, its existence was short-lived – barely twenty months – due to criticisms of inefficiency, violations of individual rights, and abuses of power. From the perspective of the history of ideas, this research addressed questions about the origin, development, and demise of this institution, offering less biased interpretations. The analysis of various primary sources predating the Supreme Council of Defense and Social Prevention by 50 years suggests that the budgetary blockades and restrictions on its functions were acts of protection by the legal guild, which felt threatened by emerging sciences and individuals from outside the legal community.

Socijalno-demografske karakteristike zatvorenica u Kazneno-popravnom zavodu Požarevac

The aim of the paper is to present the data of the research that dealt with the socio-economic characteristics of women in the Požarevac Penitentiary. The text presents only certain economic theories of crime, given that there are many theoretical concepts that deal with the relationship between poverty and crime. The authors are of the opinion that economic theories of crime are an appropriate framework for this paper, given that the data from our research indicate that the respondents come from poor socio-economic living conditions, and have a low socioeconomic status. Economic theories of crime explain variations in crime rates through the variety of offerings and factors that individuals face, so their low status and the criminal acts for which they were convicted are in accordance with this general statement. The paper, based on the data collected through a questionnaire on a sample of 81 women from the Penitentiary, confirmed their status of poverty and a possible link to the commission of crimes mostly of an economic nature. We want to expand the existing knowledge about the socio-economic status of women prisoners in the Republic of Serbia. The data showed that the respondents belong to a population on the brink of poverty.

Fraud Losses: An Examination of Gender, Opportunity, and Social Identity

ABSTRACT The intersection of gender and crime has been of interest to academics and practitioners since at least the 1970s. Beginning in 1996, an examination of descriptive statistics (e.g., median fraud loss) related to gender included in the ACFE Reports to the Nations suggests that male perpetrators cause significantly more losses than female perpetrators. Using a lens of opportunity, social comparison, and social identity, as opposed to the gendered theory of crime, we explore the impact of gender and position on fraud loss using an ACFE dataset. We generally find that once employment position is considered, there are not significant differences in fraud losses between female and male perpetrators, consistent with one’s position providing opportunity to commit fraud. These findings represent an important step in understanding the relation between gender, position, and fraud activity. Our study provides new insights for practitioners and academics to better evaluate organizational fraud risk. Data Availability: Data are available from the ACFE Research Institute (formerly the Institute for Fraud Prevention). JEL Classification Codes: G32, G40, J16, K49, M49.

Analysis of Financial Fraud in Dongfang Jinyu from the Perspective of CRIME Theory

Analysis of Financial Fraud in Dongfang Jinyu from the Perspective of CRIME Theory

„Świadomy praw i obowiązków wynikających z założenia (drugiej) rodziny”… Analiza pragmatyczno-prawna bigamicznego aktu mowy

The purpose of this article is to conduct a pragmatic-legal analysis of a bigamy speech act. This act is a special kind of a perfomative speech event and the consequences it produces extend both on the criminal and civil law plane. The analysis will be carried out using two methodological layers - legal and linguistic. Within the first layer, the following theories developed in legal sciences will be explored: the theory of crime, the theory of marriage and the theory of bigamous crime. Within the linguistic methodology, the author will draw on the classical theory of speech acts developed by John Langshaw Austin. In the first part of the study, the author will undertake a comprehensive characterisation of the marriage vow as a specific legal act and a speech act. In the next part she will present a bigamous speech act as a type of a criminal act. Thanks to the interdisciplinary approach to the topic it will also be possible to make an attempt to develop the author’s definition of linguistic crimes, the executive act of which consists in verbalizing prohibited by law utterances in the presence of appropriate external circumstances. In the third part, the author will discuss the civil law consequences of a bigamous speech act. The work ends with a summary containing the most important conclusions from the conducted analyses.

Victimization in Prison. A Study of Victimization and Prison Climate Dimensions in Belgian Prisons

ABSTRACT Prisoner victimization introduces significant challenges to penal institutions worldwide. Researchers across the globe already provided extensive knowledge on risk factors from community crime theories for prison victimization. Other scholars are focusing on prison climate. The present study contributes to previous works by exploring both the role of community crime theory (individual, prisoner related) risk factors and prison climate dimensions in explaining prisoner victimization in Belgium. Three climate dimensions – relationships, safety and autonomy – were analyzed. Specifically, the study examined a sample of 1,006 prisoners using bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. The multivariate results showed that prison climate dimensions significantly contribute to explaining prisoner victimization, in addition to the other risk factors. These findings suggest that deprivation and strain theories remain relevant for understanding prison violence. Future researchers should study other prison climate dimensions, as well as environmental characteristics that may facilitate victimization. This paper also highlights the importance of investments in prison climate, such as dynamic security through relationships, in addition to hard security.

On the principles of criminalization of interference with the judiciary

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to determine whether the national legislator complies with the basic principles of criminalization of socially dangerous behavior when criminalizing interference with the activities of judicial bodies. Methods. The methodology includes the analysis and generalization of scientific positions on the theory of criminalization, which is justifiably considered to be among the most controversial in criminal law doctrine. The following methods of scientific cognition were used: logical and semantic (for understanding the conceptual apparatus), formal and legal (application of the rules of formal logic in analyzing the construction of the crime under Article 376 of the Criminal Code), and the method of analysis. Results. In the course of the study, the author confirms that the principles of criminalization of interference with the judiciary are not observed: 1) procedural possibility of prosecution. The critically small array of recorded criminal offenses indicates the complexity of proof in this category of cases, which is largely due to the imperfection of the legislative construction of Article 376 of the Criminal Code; 2) certainty and unity of terminology - due to the systemic contradiction in the formulation of prohibited behavior and the use of the evaluative category «unjust decision». The scientific novelty is to confirm the shortcomings of the legislative construction of Article 376 of the Criminal Code, which are the result of violation of certain principles of criminalization of behavior. Practical significance. The results of the study can be used in the course of further regulatory and legal improvement of Article 376 of the Criminal Code, as well as in the development of scientific provisions on criminalization of crimes against justice.

O ERRO SOBRE PRESSUPOSTOS FÁTICOS DE UMA CAUSA DE JUSTIFICAÇÃO: UMA ANÁLISE À LUZ DA DOGMÁTICA JURÍDICO-PENAL

The article aims to understand the distinction between the legal nature of different types of errors, conduct an analysis regarding the treatment provided by the limited theory of culpability, as adopted by the Penal Code, to putative justifications, examine the hybrid nature of errors concerning the factual assumptions of a justification, and verify the treatment that has been given in light of legal doctrine. Bibliographic research was conducted to assimilate how legal doctrine addresses the topic. The information was analyzed using deductive methodology. The study concludes in favor of the appropriate distinct treatment that should be given to putative justifications, despite the theory adopted by criminal law, ensuring that the dogmatic concepts of the Theory of Crime are not subverted.

Crímenes, risas y tensión: consideraciones sobre el humor en pódcasts brasileños de true crime

This work reflects on humorous elements present in audio accounts of real crimes. With this objective, we identified a set of rhetorical and expressive procedures related to humor in the podcasts Modus Operandi and Café com Crime, which characterize these accounts both in verbal and in specifically sound aspects. Based on this, we present contributions to the theory of true crime, which describes typical narrative codes of the genre, and we observe an effort by these podcasts to balance narrative tension and comedy. We also see the possibility of subverting the concept of comic relief to give way to strategies of dramatic safeguarding with the function of setting limits to laughter withinthis genre. Finally, we raise possible paths for the ethical debates.