Relationship between Social Disorganization, Place and Crime according to the Chicagoans - Assignment Example

Introduction to Criminology Name Course Instructor’s Name Date A) What is the relationship between social disorganization, place and crime according to the Chicagoans? Social disorganization theory is a kind of criminological theory that features dissimilarity in crime and law-breaking over period and among regions to the deficiency or breakdown of communal body (such as church, local government and family) and communal relationship which traditionally encouraged supportive relationships among people (Winfree et al 2009). The social disorganization theory has mostly been applied in explaining why certain places experience high crime rates so as to make crime policy approval. The theory which was mostly relied on, social disorganization theory, propose that the cultural and structural organization of neighbouring areas may either enhance or block crime occurrences (Valier, 2004; Matthews & Pitts, 2001). Through the use of criminal policy, the state, can successfully harness rules in order to assist populace of high crime society help themselves defend against and control crime (Fitzgerald,1981). The concept is explained in terms of lack or breakdown of definite kind of relationships among a group of people, and is closely tied to formation of those properties of the relationships which are pinpointing of social or mutual “organization”. Such kind of organized interaction is alleged to be closely and communally linked with the growth of a sense of population or communal union among people in close geographic nearness to one another (Winfree et al 2009; Valier, 2004). The concept was establishment to refer to the non-existence of organization among people in somewhat small places but this has been made use to elaborate differences in crime among larger places (such as nations and states) as well as difference over time (Bean, 2003). The concept behind social disorganization was mainly applied to the elaboration of crime, wrongdoing plus other social problems at the University of Chicago in 1900s by sociologists. Faster growth and transformation were seen as “disorganizing” or “disintegrative” forces that contributed to a fall down in the educating and learning of such prior social rules that had blocked crime in European peasant society (Valier, 2004). In his early edition on criminology, Edwin cited the concept behind social disorganization to give explanation on the high rate of crime that followed the change of preliterate and small communities where influences surrounding an individual were harmonious uniform and steady to present Western civilization which he thoughts was featured by violence, irregularity and un-organization (Cools, 2009). This disorganization from different institutions which had by tradition reinforced the law enhanced the development and perseverance of systemic crime. Edwin believed that, social disorganization is the major cause of crime and criminal behaviour (Winfree et al 2009). Therefore it is true to say that, the relationship between social disorganization, place and crime comes about from the fact that, lack of social organization in specific places leads to high rates of crimes for there is presence of law breaking, lack of order, no community relationships or bonds and finally cooperation among the people (Fitzgerald,1981). B) Briefly identify and describe a location in New South Wales that evidences high rates of crimes and /or general neighbourhood decline Canberra is the capital city of Australia, with a higher population of more than 345,000. It is the largest inland city in Australia and the top ten largest city overall. As Canberra is the capital city, it’s the main point where most activities both legal and illegal take place. It has the worst crime rate; however, this fact is always hidden from most people that Anglo countries are top on the prevalence of crime (Cools, 2009). Although this city is inhabited by most white people, the crime rates are overwhelming considering the fact that these people are permitted to benefits and Centre link hold up and various state sponsored programs for personal healthcare and all-purpose well being that actually contributes to depreciation in crime rates, as compared to other countries where there is no means of income hold up for the minors, old people, unemployed and physically challenged (Bennetto, 2010) Canberra has a very high fraction of public servants; the federal government gives the biggest section of gross state produce and is the major solo employer in Canberra (Crime Rates in Australia, 2010). As the premises of government, the lack of employment rate is somehow lower and the standard income greater than the national standard, while material goods prices are relatively higher, in part out of the comparatively constrained development regulations (Fitzgerald, 1981). The public attitude on crimes, conviction rates and softer sentences is pathetic while majority of people are very sympathetic towards convicted drug dealers, mafia and underworld personalities of whom are always viewed as role models (Winfree et al 2009). A million and over crimes in a year sounds quite a large number to everyone and best efforts are needed urgently to lessen this rate of crime. However as at the end of July 2007 there were more than twenty seven thousand people in prison, another more than fifty thousand serving community correction orders. Frequent expenses on the criminal justice system were just about $9 billion and there were more than forty seven thousands state and territory police officers (Bennetto, 2010). Majority may think that, this city is not tough on crime, that Canberra is not very serious on policing and criminal justice? Anybody can have such an opinion as others do but on the other hand law and order matters regularly come up as election concern (Crime Rates in Australia, 2010). As for Canberra, after single particularly galling “Canberra is probably going to hell, it’s no longer safe to drive and walk on the streets any more” style post, I followed down the real crime statistics for this city (I am very sure, it’s far more fun to make with the uninformed speculation and wild claims about how the streets are crawling with thugs and rapists, but the rate was excessively un imaginable). Canberra is part of Local Government Area (LGA). The charts below show the comparison of crime statistics between and Victoria (state-wide data) during the 2007/2008 (MyBoot, 2009). Crime Category LGA's rate per 100,000 population in 2007/2008 Average rate in Victoria per 100,000 population in 2007/2008 Crime against the person Sex (non rape) n.a 119 Assault n.a 596 Crime against property Property damage n.a 1010 Burglary (residential) n.a 549 Theft (other) n.a 1019 Other crime Justice procedures n.a 330 From the above statistics, theft and property damage are the top most types of crimes that are leading in this city of Canberra (Crime Rates in Australia, 2010). This could be as a result of the relatively higher prices on material goods; once these materials are stolen they end up, may be, being sold at a lower price but at a faster rate. Assault and burglary (residential) takes the second rank followed by justice procedures and sex (none rape). Some researchers have argued that, some of these crimes in Canberra could be contributed by the use of illegal drugs and the residents not willing to work or seek for employment (Cools, 2009). From the point of view, a strong link between illegal drug use and criminal actions has been noted. However the association is multifaceted and is often linked with fixed social and wellbeing problems like unemployment, homelessness, poor mental well being and income inequality (Winfree et al 2009). C) Critically evaluate the kinds of policy and practice that Chicagoans would recommend for addressing crime in this location. Chicagoans would recommend the crime prevention portfolio, to work hand in hand with Canberra’s community, agencies and service providers in establishing and targeting the major causes of crime in this city (Winfree et al 2009). These groups will assist in educating the community on private safety and property security, hence building social capital and raising the standard of confidence among the members. The use of policing strategy is applicable in Canberra city, which is designed to upgrade the visibility and accessibility of police force to work together with the community in order to solve minor and major problems as well as improving perception of crime and develop community union (Cools, 2009). Another important recommendation from the Chicagoans to the Canberra would be to establish new policies and practices on crimes and family, this can be well done by improving the family violence intervention program, which offers a coordinated society and responses to criminal justice on family violence (Cools, 2009). In addition, a program to educate school going children could be encouraged to all schools on a variety of safety and crime prevention information and awareness, with an aim of encouraging all the children to seek for advice and assistance from the police (Bean, 2003). The higher authority from this city can support the young people’s activities or facilities as a means of encouraging self motivation, independence and financial planning (Cools, 2009). For instance most of these facilities offer innovative, relevant activities in a friendly environment which promote youth participation. The facilities also, help the young people to become successful by attaining their best in life and encouraging positive and gracious relationships between the police force and the young people (Winfree et al 2009). To the police and the team of justice and crime affairs in the city of Canberra, new practices such as training on new ways of dealing with crime rates and use of modern technology should be highly valued and put into practice regularly (Bean, 2003). In conclusion, the highest crime rates are mostly associated with disorganization in certain places, from this it’s true to argue that, the presence of unity and organization in communities lessens the crime rate. In Canberra, the crime rate can be reduced by either employing stern measures on law breakers or using other available means of ensuring public security is at maximum. Finally Comprehensive supportive practices to all the crime victims could be one way of expressing togetherness and organization in the community. References Bean, P. 2003. Crime. Sydney: Taylor & Francis. Common wealth of Australia, 2010. Available at: http://www.police.act.gov.au/about-us/structure-and-portfolios/crime-prevention.aspx [Accessed 12, 2010] Cools, M. 2009. Contemporary issues in the empirical study of crime. New York: Maklu Publishers. Crime Rates in Australia. 2010. UK worst in the World. Available at: http://www.topix.com/forum/world/australia/T24FR56I1DVSCKJFI [Accessed 11 August, 2010] Fitzgerald, M., McLennan, G. & Pawson, J. 1981. Crime and society: readings in history and theory. London: Routledge. Matthews, R. & Pitts, J. 2001. Crime, disorder and community safety: a new agenda? Sydney: Routledge Publishers. Myboot. (2009). Review of Crime Statistics for Victoria. Available at: http://myboot.com.au/2600/Canberra/table/victoria-crime-statistic.aspx [Accessed August 11, 2010]. Valier, C. 2004. Crime and punishment in contemporary culture. London: Routledge Publishers. Winfree, L., Abadinsky, H. & Winfree, T. 2009. Understanding Crime: Essentials of Criminological Theory, 3rd Ed. 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