Anthony Alicea
CRIJ 3305
Writing Assignment 1
Deterrence and Rational Choice Theories
(1) “Target-hardening can be enhanced through victim education, as well as public
awareness campaigns that encourage likely victims to take precautions, and that increase
offenders’ perceptions of risk. Such efforts may be carried out through the media, through
the police, or through Neighborhood Watch or other community groups” (p. 3).
The belief of rational choice theory is that a person with reasoning who takes the time to
predetermine the rewards and the consequences for committing a crime will make a rational
decision whether they should commit the crime or not. Depending on how the individual
perceives the consequences they may determine that the cost for committing the crime outweighs
the reward gained from the crime. Hopefully, a consequence that outweighs the reward should
potentially deter the individual from committing the crime. The deterrence theory has two
assumptions explaining how people are deterred from committing crimes. The first assumption is
specific punishments that an offender may receive for committing a particular crime should deter
them from committing that crime or any future crimes. The second assumption is the fear of the
punishment, fear can also deter people from committing crimes that are similar in nature. This
passage explains that the practice of target-hardening can be enhanced through victim education,
as well as public awareness. By educating people that were once victimized and spreading
awareness through the media, the police, or through Neighborhood Watch or other community
groups about target-hardening can increase the likelihood that houses that have factors
contributing to burglary will be corrected and make it more difficult for burglars.
(2) “Convicted burglars, especially habitual offenders, already face stiff penalties. Once
convicted, about 80 percent are incarcerated: the average prison sentence is five years. Of
all property offenders, burglars receive the longest prison sentences” (p. 3).
As stated in the first paragraph rational choice theory is where someone decides whether they
will commit a crime by deciding if the reward gained from the crime outweighs the punishment.
Normally if the punishment outweighs the reward the person will not commit the crime. This
second passage relates to the deterrence theory which claims through fear of punishment
