CJ 212 Crime Prevention Unit 7 Seminar

Unit 7 seminar Welcome to Unit 7!!!! Unit 7 Written Assignment – Describe a Local Crime Prevention Program 1. Identify a local crime prevention program 2. Using course information, describe components/elements, philosophy, goals, strengths/weaknesses, ethical issues, and effectiveness of program Minimum 3 pages of written text (not including cover and reference pages) Include title page and APA format for citations

Unit 7 seminar Treatment and Rehabilitation to Prevent Crime Unpopular with some because seen as “soft” on crime and evidence does not support Supporters have abandoned goals of incapacitation, retribution and deterrence Premised on the Positive Perspective (deterministic view of people) Major problem with effectiveness of treatment is the lack of a uniform definition

Unit 7 seminar Definition -- A planned correctional intervention that targets for change internal and/or social criminogenic factors with the goal of reducing recidivism and, where possible, of improving other aspects of an offender’s life Treatment works for some, not for others because offenders are different: Risk – some offenders are higher risk than others Need – needs vary, including social skills, education, housing, etc. Responsivity – general (treatment method) and specific (learning styles, literacy, anxiety, attention, accepting responsibility, etc.)

Unit 7 seminar Methods used to treat, with hopes of rehabilitation Morals Training Studies show link between moral judgment and crime Key is assumption that people can be changed Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT) – improve offender’s awareness of decisions and higher moral reasoning Reasoning Training Assume need to improve offender’s ability to make decisions

Unit 7 seminar People are impulsive and in need of “correction” Anger Management Some people are just plain angry :D If anger linked to criminal behavior, may be able to discourage offending by managing/controlling anger Victim Awareness Help offenders appreciate victims’ experience and understand impact of behavior on others Improve offender’s sense of empathy

Unit 7 seminar Job Training Education related to unemployment / If unemployment linked to crime, then job training can prevent crime Problem – some crimes (such as auto theft) go up when unemployment goes down Education as Job Training Most criminals are undereducated Push for GED programs and training May not work because programs are voluntary

Unit 7 seminar Vocational Training Used to train people to perform specific jobs with specific skills Shows more promise than education Correctional Industries Goods and services produced by offenders during incarceration Low pay and goods sold to state agencies Shows more promise if also teach a vocation

Unit 7 seminar Work Release Some inmates may be released from prison, temporarily, to work Little research to suggest this prevents future crime Questions ??? Unit 8 Seminar next week !!!! Have a great week !!!!