User:JazmineBrowning/Routine activity theory

Routine activity theory, emerged as a key theoretical approach in criminology in the late 1970's. The theory suggests that an individual's daily routine can allow them to be more susceptible to victimization.

= Policy Implications = Routine activity theory is an attempt to identify, at a macro-level, criminal activities, and their patterns through explanation of changes in crime rate trends (Cohen & Felson, 1979). It is based on criminal events, on the distribution and grouping in space and time of the minimal elements that make them up, rather than on the search for offenders’ motives, and it thus offers a frame of reference for concrete and individualized crime analysis and facilitates the application of real policies and practices aimed at altering the necessary elements that make the existence of a crime possible and thereby preventing it (Tilley, 2009).

Rational choice and routine activities theory both hold that crime rates are a product of criminal opportunity. It is thus thought that by increasing the number of guardians, decreasing the suitability of targets, or reducing the offender population, the crime rate should decline. A central implication of understanding offending in terms of a rational calculation means that the criminal justice system is capable of controlling crime, that aggressive law enforcement and severe punishment should deter offenders, and consequently, produce a notable reduction in criminal offending.

The question, however, remains: Is crime rational? The inherent difficulty with these theories is they are premised on the assumption that offenders are rationally calculating individuals. Though there is some support for the tenets of this theory, the primary weakness in its applicability is the assumption that offenders think before acting, that they conduct a cost-benefit analysis before deciding to engage in crime. Despite the appearance of rationality in offending, the implications of assuming this rationality, in terms of deterrence, is not strongly supported by research.

In terms of policy implication that comes along with the Routine Activity Theory, it is suggested that if one simply reduces the three factors, they will be able to reduce crime. An increase in guardianship as well as time spent at home decreases the ability and opportunity to commit crime. How to accomplish this through law is difficult. It is not possible to mandate how much time a person spends away from home. Attempts to encourage youth to stay home during prime criminal hours have included creating a curfew for everyone under the age of 18. Another option is after school programs. These programs provide safe alternatives where children are given outlets for their aggression, such as midnight basketball games. They provide suitable guardians when parents are not available and give children something to occupy their time during peak criminal hours, which are after school as well as at night. The Ministry of Children and Youth Services has also suggested increasing “the certainty, severity and celerity (speed) of legal sanctions,” (Ontario), to increase deterrence of youth from committing crime. By making crime unappealing, you are decreasing the first aspect of crime, the motivated offender. The final aspect, suitable targets, is more difficult to decrease, but through community policing, both officers as well as public organizations are taking the initiative to address the problem. Community policing is the idea that getting the community involved in crime solving as well as crime prevention will increase the safety of the community. Citizens are being taught how they can keep an eye out both for themselves and their neighborhoods to lessen the likelihood that they will become a victim.

References:
Cohen, L., & Felson, M. (1979). Social change and crime rate trends: A routine activity approach. American Sociological Review, 44, 588–608.

Miró, F. (2014, January 31). Routine Activity Theory. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/9781118517390.wbetc198

Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services “Review of the Roots of Youth Violence:Literature Reviews,” Vol 5 Ch 3. http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/ youthandthelaw/roots/volume5/chapter03_rational_choice.aspx

Siegal, L and C. McCormick. (2006). Criminology in Canada: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies (3rd ed.). Toronto: Thompson, Nelson.

Tilley, N. (2009). Crime prevention. Cullompton, UK: Willan.