Criminology: The Effects of Crime

With the commission of crime along with statistical data being published, a society’s population may become aware of the type of crimes which are being committed.  Crime has an effect on a person or population that I believe is often overlooked.  Other than the obvious economical, physical and emotional effects of crime on a person, there is an effect that has the possibility to be of assistance. Neighborhoods have even taken it upon themselves to help each other.  “In rare cases where innovative programs to prevent crime and delinquency were broadly supported, they worked more often than not.  Since, then, we’ve learned much more, and we are in a much better position to say with confidence that prevention can work-and that it can be far less costly, in every sense, than continuing to rely on incarceration as our first defense against violent crime” (Currie, 1998).  Various neighborhoods have developed groups such as the “Neighborhood Watch” in which members of a certain neighborhood report any unusual activity and or criminal behavior.    As people become more aware of certain behavior which may have possible criminal involvement, they may have an opportunity to report the suspicious activity to the appropriate law enforcement officials who may intervene before any crime takes place, or the witness may make their presence known to the suspicious individual which could inadvertently deter the possibility of the commission of crime.

This would not be possible if certain characteristics or behavioral traits were not commonly perceived as deviant, antisocial, or criminally related.  Regardless if a person is a victim of a crime, witness of a crime, or is only aware of a crime, the person or people are now affected.  Their awareness of surroundings are heightened, along with the awareness and consciousness of the behavior of others is increased.  This is something that is often caused by or accompanied by fear or tension.  By witnessing a crime or being a victim of a crime, people gain knowledge as to what factors were included in that particular crime.  The person may then be more aware or may recognize those factors more easily in day to day life more than someone who does not know so much as to what circumstances have potential to become involved with crime or victimization.  “We…know that a significant number of women are exposed to brutality and even death because of their gender” (Roleff, 2001).  For example, man hears of a few woman who were walking alone at night a few blocks from his house and were rapped by a men.  He may then inform his sister or girlfriend of this.  He may also then advise them to try not to walk at night or at least not alone.  By being aware of these crimes, the man has become aware of a few situations which have a higher potential for people becoming victimized.  

Conclusion

Crime has a couple effects on  a person or population that are often overlooked or ignored due to the high emphasis on the economical, physical, and emotional effects resulting from crime.  Through the study of criminology and the analysis of data research of the various crimes committed, it is possible for law enforcement to be better aware of criminal behavior and potentially criminal situations, thus creating more allowance for the intervention and reduction of crime.  People who have become victim to a crime, witnessed a crime, or know of a crime committed gain knowledge that often is not paid much attention.  They can become more aware of these behavioral traits and circumstances which may have a higher potential for being criminally related.  With this awareness or knowledge, they can better avoid from such situations.  They are able to identify and recognize criminal factors that have not just been studied or research, but they have gained this awareness and knowledge through their first-hand experience.  The effects of crime are most commonly perceived to be completely negative.  However, there is much knowledge and information that can be gained for future protection and reduction and deterance of crime.

Bibliography

Siegel, Larry J.  Criminology.  Belmont: Thomson Higher Education, 2006

Roleff, Tamara L.  Hate Crimes, San Diego: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 2001

Currie, Elliott. Crime and Punishment in America, New York: Henry Holt and Company Inc., 1998