Crime Theory Case Study

Criminal Minds

The constant battle with violent crime is a perplexing problem for those designated to solve these types of problems. This frustrating cycle of failure and success seems to adopt the mantra, "one step forward, two steps back" in its purest sense. As gains are made it is important to understand the root causes of these results in order to better adapt the ever changing environment that creates new problems in this type of battle.

Zimmerman's (2007) case study investigated this struggle within the city of Boston, MA. In this research he described a story of great success through the help of community involvement as violent crime rates and homicides drastically reduced when this method was applied. Unfortunately, the gains were soon lost after a distorted strategy led the leadership awry.

The purpose of this essay is to explore this case study, and apply the research to the current trends in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. This essay will argue that the importance of disciplined strategic development is paramount in sustaining success in maintain law and order. The failures of the Boston situation will be used to highlight how certain criminological theories may be applied to the larger picture of homeland security and force protection.

Ten Points Commission

Zimmerman suggested that the Ten Points Commission was integreal in addressing the violent crime problems within the Boston area during the early to mid 1990s. This impromptu organization of minority spiritual leaders and preachers, took it upon themselves to rid their community of unwanted violence and murder despite the police and government's best efforts. This grass roots effort was directed and connecting with young and vulnerable gang members and urging peace and cooperation as a means for practical benefit. The 10 Point Commission would also work closely with police and essentially serve as useful medium between the two poles.

Soon problems would develop as dissention within the 10 Points Commission soon became evident. The success of the group ultimately led to the demise of the group, as large sums of grant money and donations soon flooded their organization and ultimately distracted the core ideals that were necessary for their initial success. In the early 2000s the crime rate began to adjust back to the higher incidents of violence and much ground was lost in battle against this type of violence.

Issue

In researching the criminological theories behind violence, terrorism and homeland security, there is one common thread that links them all; strategic outlook. Expectancy Theory compliments strategy in many ways and can be used as a basis to view the challenges of homeland security and the links to the successes and failures of the 10 Point Commission. Expectance theory explains criminal behavior in a matter that can be formulated and controlled in many ways. Instead of explaining what motivates criminal behavior, expectance theory explains how criminals make decisions and what they value.

By understanding how people think, especially those who wish harm upon the peace and tranquility of the nation, law enforcement professionals can essentially preempt violence by manipulating the formula. Expectancy theory suggests that the combination of perceptions of efforts will leads to rewards. By manipulating the rewards expectations of the criminals, a new paradigm of thought may be created and violence may be downplayed as a suitable recourse of action.