Crime the Importance and Significance

¶ … Crime

The importance and significance of analyzing crime

The analysis of crime is important for a number of reasons. The first and most obvious reason is that, through the analysis of crime, one can understand the causative factors and reasons for the criminal act and this understanding leads to methods and measures for combating crime. An example is the understanding of why crime in a certain area or age group has increased. This intelligence or knowledge will enable the analyst and the law enforcement authority to better deal with the root issues and causes of the crime; for example if the cause of crime is poverty or some other social problem, then this can be addressed with the aim of reducing the criminal activity. Simply stated, analysis and intelligence about crime is an essential tool in the reduction and eradication of various types of criminal activity.

The analysis of crime also highlights the use of modern technology in the fight against various types of crime. Modern methods of investigation and analysis, especially with regard to computers and the Internet, have provided a very useful way of understanding criminal behavior as well as trends or patterns of crime.

Another aspect that will be investigated in this paper is the role that theory and sociological methodologies play in the analysis of crime. Theory is important in that it suggests various hypotheses about the causative factors in crime and this helps to combat crime more effectively. Analysis of crime from a sociological perspective is useful in that it reveals patterns and tendencies in the social structure, which may have gone unnoticed before and which act as precursors and motivators in criminal activity.

These forms of analysis and pattern searching can lead to the identification of the causes of crime and therefore lead to actions that can prevent further crime or an escalation of crime in a certain area. In essence, the analysis of crime, especially in light of the advantages of modern technology, has distinct benefits for society and the individual.

2. The importance of the analysis of crime

Without an adequate understanding of crime, the police force and the various law enforcement authorities would not be able to effectively deal with criminal activities. This view is based on the importance of information and intelligence gathering. Those involved in the fight against crime realize the significance of intelligence and information as an essential component in crime fighting. As one expert in the field states, "Information is the most valuable commodity in the world. In any business, in any industry, in any part of the world, the right information is absolutely priceless" (Bruce). Bruce continues and describes the importance of information and intelligence in the context of criminal analysis. "Crime analysts provide information to police agencies about crime, disorder, calls for service, police activity, and other areas of police interest, all with the goal of helping the agencies do their jobs better. Specifically, crime analysts help police agencies..." (Bruce)

There are various ways in which intelligence and crime analysis helps the police and law enforcement agencies in their task. These include the following aspects.

The analysis of crime helps in the development of effective strategies and tactics. This is an important aspect, as the way that crime is dealt with is largely determined by the analysis of the types of crime and the theories that posit causative factors for those crimes.

Analysis helps to locate and apprehend offenders; as well as in the persecution of convicted offenders.

Analysis improves the safety and quality of life of the society in general.

Crime analysis helps to optimize internal law enforcement operations, as well as aiding in the prioritization of patrol and investigations.

Crime analysis can also help in the detection and solving of community and social problems

Analysis is helpful in the allocation of resources

It is also important for the planning for future resource needs

Analysis can assist in the creation and enactment of effective policies and public education

Bruce)

The importance of analysis is also evidenced by the fact that many law enforcement agencies actually employ a qualified crime analyst to assist them in their tasks. "Wherever a crime analyst is employed, his or her job is to provide information support for the agency's overall mission" (Bruce).

3. The analysis of crime and sociological theory

As crime is in particular a social phenomenon, there is a close relationship between the analysis of crime and sociological theory and methodology. One of the theories that have been used as a formative element in crime analysis is Rational Choice Theory or RCT. This theory way developed by Cornish and Clarke (1986). The theory "...assumes that offenders seek to benefit in some way from their offending behaviour. RCT therefore portrays offenders as active decision makers who undertake a cost-benefit analysis of presenting crime opportunities." (Rational Choice Theory RCT)

In this view, crime is theorized as the result of a rational decision-making process, which is dependent on other factors such as time, cognitive ability and information. This is a very useful theory when applied to criminal activates as it provides an analysis of the criminal behavior in terms of individual volition and rational decision-making.

The central premise that underlies this theory is that; "... The decisions and factors that affect offender decision making vary greatly at both the different stages of the offence and among different offences" (Situational Crime Prevention).

This view has a direct affect on law enforcement policy as the authorities pay attention to specific aspects relating to the crime when analyzing offender decision-making and choice selection. Furthermore, this form of analysis suggests an approach to the crime that, "...treats separately decisions relating to the various stages of involvement in offences" (Rational Choice Theory RCT). To put this more simply, the theory suggests an analysis of criminal activity that states that criminal behavior is related to the individual's free will and that the offender makes a choice about the crime that he or she commits.

However the theory also stresses the important point that; "...there are certain background and situational factors that might predispose someone towards crime. Background factors might include intelligence, upbringing and personality; situational factors might include peer pressure, drug dependency and the vulnerability of the target" (Rational Choice Theory RCT). In essence this analysis of crime states that crime is a purposive and intended form of behavior, which must take into account other social and psychological traits and circumstances. In theory, this view stressed the perception of the criminal as a rational actor, behaving freely in terms of a calculated decision. (Keel, R. 2004)

On the other hand, a very different sociological and criminological theory is Labeling Theory. From this theoretical perspective, crime and the criminal are seen as being determined by social class and other circumstantial and situational factors. In this theory, the view that the criminal is a rational person who is solely responsible fore his or her actions is not subscribed to. Instead, the view is suggested that crime is caused by societal and cultural factors and influences; which are aspect that are essentially out of the control of the individual. This theoretical emphasis therefore stresses that the criminal is not an evil person who is involved in evil acts but is rather seen as someone who has,"...a criminal status placed upon them by both the criminal justice system and the community at large. From this point-of-view, criminal acts thus themselves are not significant; it is the social reaction to them that are. " (Overview of Labeling Theories)