What is the difference between Policy and Law? A policy outlines what a government hopes to achieve and the methods and principles it will use to achieve them A policy document is not a law but will often identify new laws needed to achieve its goals Laws are guided by current government policy

Types of Policy There are two main branches of policy formal and informal. Informal is often specific to a small area or a short time period Formal policy is written down and published by Government

Types of Formal Policy A crime control policy – this refers to the laws, regulations and other government actions that are designed to contain and reduce criminal acts. A state punishment policy – this refers to laws and regulations regarding sanctions such as sentencing and corrections. It is designed to punish crime

Links between policy and theory How people view the cause of crime is going to have an effect on how they feel it should be addressed. How might people with the following views address crime? Crime is caused by a persons social situation Crime is caused by malfunctions in your super ego

Biological approach – crime is caused by aspects of the physical body; genes, brain, hormones … Maternal health initiatives to reduce the incidence of smoking and drinking amongst pregnant women, thereby reducing neurological damage to the developing foetus Public health initiatives and policy responses to reduce alcohol consumption and binge drinking by teenagers, as heavy alcohol use in adolescence is associated with serious neurological damage and long term cognitive deficits What else?

Individualistic/Psychological approach – personality, social factors, developmental factors Early intervention programmes in health and education that support the healthy development of children; Supporting positive parenting practices, which research shows have a correlation with reductions in risk taking, anti-social behaviour, and alcohol and other drug abuse by adolescents. Others?

Sociological – organisation of society and social conditions Programmes to address multi-generational unemployment for a particular group or in a particular area Programmes that build cultural identity and positive community values to lift self esteem, and strengthen social connectedness Anti family violence programmes that try to change norms and behaviours in relation to family violence

More specifically Right Realism To punish offenders very severely for their crimes. To increase detection rates. To keep the streets clear of criminal elements. To work with local people to fight crime and anti- social behaviour. Zero Tolerance Policy

More Specifically Left realism Criminals should be punished for their behaviour. We should investigate the causes of crime and solve the problem. The police need to spend more time on solving crime. The public need to regain trust in the police.

Assessment Skill A number of women have reported having their handbags stolen from pubs and clubs in the centre of Cardiff. This is costing businesses money as people are avoiding the town centre. Solutions to the problem of handbag theft are required. Write a short report (one side of A4) suggesting reasons why the amount of handbag theft is occurring. Offer a range of solutions to reduce the number of thefts of bags from clubs and pubs. Offer justifications for the solutions that you offer.