Environmental Ecological Criminology
Abstract
The essay examines environmental criminology as a theory that considers place as a background for crime. Paul and Particia Brightingham (1995) emphasize the importance of place factor in crime prevention. The essay analyzes theoretical background of the environmental criminology, It examines interaction between the branch of environmental criminology, routine activity theory, situational crime prevention and crime prevention through environmental design. The essay considers whether it is useful to apply the environmental criminology to find out factors that influence the decision of the potential offender and prevent such crimes in future. It includes researches of aul and Particia Brightingham (1995) in relation with other researches dealt with the place factors of crime occurence.
Environmental Criminology
In general, the criminological theory is applicable as it helps to determine the crime and prevent its commitment. Paul and Particia Brightingham (1995) consider the environment as one of crime generators and crime attractors (Brightingham and Brightingham, 1995). In order to analyze the environmental criminology as a branch of criminological theory, it is necessary to consider its theoretical and practical meaning. First, the essay analyzes connection between routine activities theory and environmental criminology, as well as situational crime prevention and crime prevention through environmental design. Second, it considers usefulness of the theory of environmental criminology in the context of crime prevention strategies.
Theoretical Background
Paul and Particia Brightingham (1995) define crime generators as areas that attract people to some criminal motivation. Crime attractors are places that create an opportunity to commit a crime (Brightingham and Brightingham, 1995). It means that crime occurrence is not always related to social or economic conditions. They are not always related to risks of crime committing. High level of fear of crime among elder people may not relate to crime patterns or victimization. This statement should be agreed as the motivation of potential offenders living in poor conditions to improve their wealth may not be enough to commit legal wrongdoing. Place with lack of protection from criminal incidents has more influence on the decision of the potential criminal. It should be illustrated in the connection of the environmental criminology with the routing activity theory. The ideologists of the routing activity theory Felson (1987) states that crime event consists of such elements as the potential offender, suitable target, and absence of the protection from crime, which is in connection with everyday life (Felson, 1987). The elements of target suitability and capacity of guardian influence on the decision of the potential criminal to commit wrongdoings. In my opinion, elements of routine activity theory described hereinabove illustrate the dependence of possibility to commit a crime from the particular place. I agree with this point of view. For instance, it is easier to commit robbery in the street than to steal large amounts from a bank. Additionally, conditions of individuals depend on a standard of living. They vary depending on accommodation. It means that availability of healthcare, education, and the job may decrease determinants of crime. Felson states that …
