Theories of Crime Causation

In the last 4 weeks, you have explored the development of criminological theory, its relationship to the criminal justice system (police, courts, and corrections), and in Unit 5, you have explored the cost of crime to your community.

In this activity, you are going to further develop your analytical and writing skills while applying critical thinking by researching crime prevention programs that have proven successful in reducing crime. You will create a document highlighting the problem, giving an overview of the policy or program implemented, and the results of the program. The audience for your infographic is the city council.

The specific steps for this assignment are as follows:

1. Research a crime prevention policy or program that has been proven successful.
2. Select a specific criminological theory that you believe supports the crime prevention policy or program.
3. Write a 2-3 page paper that explains the context of the development of the program.
   • Consider why the program was created. Did the city have an issue with DUIs, burglaries, or gang-related violence? Additionally, did a middle school have issues with bullying or fights?
4. Offer an overview of the program or policy you researched and how it connects to your selected criminological theory.
   • In creating this section, consider the most important steps of the program and how they align to criminological theory. For example, Project H.O.P.E. incorporated elements of deterrence theory with rational choice. You can see both theories in the creation of and implementation of the program.
5. Lastly, your paper should highlight the results of the program. Consider why the program is considered successful. Be sure that your infographic depicts why the program is considered successful.