Fighting crime has been a challenge for the United States government at various levels, and following the insights by the article, there is an actual need for the paradigm shifts from what has existed in dealing with criminal activities (Akers, 2013). As depicted by the author, people who engage in illegal activities do so due to the perceived rewards associated with it. Deterrents have been used for a long time as an approach to manage crime, but inherently, nothing much has been achieved as people continue committing the offences. In a proper examination and analysis, it is possible that the offenders’ passion in regards to what they want has always surpassed the impending punishment. As a result, the RCT approach would be a change maker in the manner of handling the criminals (Rational Choice Theory, 2017).
In this precept, the four actions should be done to control the illegal activities around the areas of Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, so that the tourists are not scared. Increasing the cost of crime makes it unprofitable for those who anticipate it, and therefore resolve to follow the right way, which is less costly. As has been explained in the article, people who involve in criminal activities are persuaded that they are less expensive as compared to doing the right thing. Similarly, increasing the benefits of non-criminal activities would be another effective way to go. It is highly rewarding to engage in non-criminal activities to acquire the attached benefits. In fact, through this, the people who involve in crime would actually view themselves as losers. Consequently, every individual in the world is willing to be part of something that rewards them with some sorts of benefits. Therefore, this mechanism would be a better one indeed.
In addition, reducing the benefits of crime is a paramount efficacy (Pforte, 2011). If the people involved realize losses, then they will highly get discouraged. The only enticing thing in the criminal activities is the satisfaction that results from it. Limiting such benefits is a motivating factor towards doing the right choice. Being that crime is instigated by emotions and passion, diverting these attentions is a good thing to do. Finally, reducing the cost of non-crime is similarly a better way of stimulating non-criminal activities. As has been confirmed in this study, the punitive actions that have been applied have failed, since people’s ambitions remain stronger than the pain inflicted in the skin (Andrews & Bonta, 2010). If the mission and objective are altered, nobody will be willing to continue doing the crime.
In conclusion, it is evident that the existing mechanisms have failed in dealing with the criminal activities, and in this precept, a different approach has to be made. Using the highlighted criteria above would discourage the people involved and seek to do the right thing. For instance, choosing crime has been motivated by the benefits and the lower costs anticipated. However, if this is changed, then a different mindset will be created, and the offenders would be highly discouraged.
- Akers, R. L. (2013). Criminological theories: Introduction and evaluation. Routledge.
- Andrews, D. A., & Bonta, J. (2010). The psychology of criminal conduct. Routledge.
- Pforte, L. (2011). On the involution module of SL2(2ƒ). Journal of Group Theory, 14(5). doi:10.1515/jgt.2010.073
- Rational Choice Theory (Criminology Theories) IResearchNet. (n.d.). Retrieved February 08, 2017, from http://criminal-justice.iresearchnet.com/criminology/theories/rational-choice-theory/