Classifications of Crime
The job of a Plaintiff
Someone who tries to prove that a wrong was committed
What are “Hot Spots”?
Specific areas where there’s a lot of crime, drawing in police presence
What is choice theory?
The belief that individuals have free will to engage or not engage in criminal behavior.
What is the requirement of harm in criminology?
For a crime to have occurred, harm must be suffered by the victim.
What is the overall structure of the police department?
Chain of Command
The amount of proof you need to convict someone in criminal court
Beyond a reasonable doubt
What does SARA stand for?
Scanning, analysis, response, assessment
What is Labeling Theory?
If people view and label someone as a criminal they will eventually succumb to that label and become one.
What is causation in criminology?
Proof that the crime is what caused the harm suffered
Who is the highest member of the police department chain of command?
Chief of Police
What is a misdemeanor
Lesser offenses punishable by jail for less than a year or fines
What is the difference between reactive and proactive arrests?
Reactive arrests are in response to specific crimes while proactive arrests prevent crime before it starts
What is Social Disorganization Theory?
If a community is disorganized it will create a culture of crime.
What is mens rea?
The guilty state of mind present when committing a crime.
Who is the next highest member of the police department chain of command?
Deputy Chief
What is the area of concern classified under criminal law
Offenses against society as a whole
Why is differential response important?
Allows quicker responses to top priority calls and most serious emergencies
What is the difference between Macro theories and Micro theories in criminology?
Macro theories focus on societal and group patterns while Micro theories focus on individual patterns.
What is actus reus?
The guilty act being committed
Name the three types of police officers who work "in the field"
Patrol, Investigation, and Special Investigation
What is Mala in se
Acts that are inherently wrong, regardless of whether they are prohibited by law
According to the Criminal Justice in Action, “increasing or decreasing preventive patrols had little to no impact on crimes, public opinion, police effectiveness, response time, accidents, or crime reports.” What could random patrolling be important for?
Maintaining community relations, reducing fear, decreasing crimes where police are immediately present, etc.
What is the scientific criteria to prove that a theory is good?
Logical Consistency, scope, Parsimony, testability, falsification, tautology, empirical validity, and usefulness
Name the six elements necessary to prove a crime was committed.
Actus reus, Mens Rea, concurrence, causation, attendant circumstances, harm
Who is considered the "backbone" of police departments?
Patrol Officers