Some criminal justice students have questioned the need to learn about criminological theory because it is not related to the real world, or at least the field of criminal justice. Many students and professionals believe that the fast pace of policing neighborhoods and the practice of investigation is a science of practicality, not of theory.
In an essay of 3–4 pages, discuss at least 3 policies on the left-hand side below, and discuss which of the theories on the right-hand side might have influenced these policies. The policies and theories are not listed in any particular order, and any policy could be related to any of the theories on the list. You may also use other polices not listed, as long as you relate these policies to the ideas found in the Theories column. As you answer each question, you must provide support or evidence that will enhance and empirically prove your answers. Academic criminal justice articles or real-life criminal justice findings that are found in journals or other academic sources must be used in supporting your answers. Please use APA format for all cited sources, including your reference page.
Additionally, be sure to follow these directions:
Dedicate about 1 page to the analysis of each policy.
Policies should only be described briefly, with most of the discussion concerning the theoretical underpinnings of the policy.
You should discuss the main objectives of the policy and how these objectives are related to criminological theory. If possible, you should discuss the historical contexts of the policies and the theoretical ideas that led to their creation.
Policies Theories
Midnight basketball programs Differential association theory
Police athletic leagues Social control theory
Weed and seed programs Neutralization theory
Diversion programs (drug courts, etc.) Strain theory
Expunging of records Labeling theory
Graffiti reduction programs The classical school of criminology
Neighborhood watch programs Social disorganization theory
D.A.R.E. Windows theory
Prison rehabilitation programs Routine activities theory
Three-strikes laws
The death penalty
