WK 2 REPLY NOTES

Reply 2-1 EG (125 words and 1 reference)

Choice theory influences criminal behaviors as it is believed that an individual has control over their actions and those following reactions are made after rationally thinking about what doing the crime will entail (Schram & Tibbetts, 2021). With this theory, it is believed that an individual considers informal deterrence factors, these being family, friends, and/or the community, and many of these informal factors may be more important than formal deterrence factors (Schram & Tibbetts, 2021). If someone is more concerned with what their family may think of them after they commit a crime, they may be more likely to not commit that crime, while some may not have those connections to be concerned about or that those connections will not show disapproval for the crime.  

Victimology is the study of victims which includes different reasons as to how an individual may be more likely to be victimized, the legal rights of victims, and the frequency of victimization within an area (Schram & Tibbetts, 2021). There are many factors that go into being victimized with some factors leading people to be more vulnerable than others (Dillenburger, 2007). By also addressing that victimization does happen to certain populations with some being more vulnerable than others. It also allows for more room for acceptance that people are victims, either one who has stumbled on to an event or a person who has stepped into the role of victim and has not learned that they do not need to be a victim (Dillenburger, 2007). This can also go into how different cultures have different expectations and views on victims and how people can come out of it with a mindset of being a survivor and use their experience to shape a better future for themselves, by rising above it (Dillenburger, 2007). The use of victimology can also help people better understand transgenerational trauma and how it can affect not just those directly affected by even those who are born in the future (Dillenburger, 2007).  

Reply 2-1 SL (125 words and 1 reference)

According to Sean and Barton-Bellessa (2015), people engage in criminal behavior when a criminal act is presented as a “opportunity“, which is an influence of choice theory. This means that any person can choose to engage in criminal behaviors, when or if the opportunity to do so, has been presented. A simple example would be getting in a fight and being charged for assault. I would say it’s somewhat common for people who are under the influence to get a verbal with anyone and everyone about a minor disagreement, and a confrontation breaks out. If there is a woman involved, men will feel the need to cause a scene and disregard their behaviors, actions, and consequences. Choice theory simply influences criminal behavior through rational decision-making, which is something that occurs in the present moment in any given place or time.

It is important to learn and understand the variables of victimology in order to protect the public from any kind of victimization and involvement with criminal acts. Family factors, protective factors, race, social class, and gender factors all contribute to the awareness and protection of becoming a victim (Dillenburger, 2008). Being a victim or a surviving victim is nothing to be ashamed of, but it is important to know how people become victims and how it can be prevented. To completely stop people from committing crimes is a challenge, but learning to protect people from being involved in crimes is something that can be achieved when the public works together.

Reply 2-2 RC (125 words and 1 reference)

There are various types of rehabilitation services for many needs. There isn't a one kind fits all, specific issues need to be handled through specific ones. There are drug and alcohol facilities, domestic abuse, AA programs are in every city somewhere. In prison there are some programs, most seem to focus on drugs and alcohol (Casey & Day, 2014). Many times these programs dive deeper into the issues that started the drug, alcohol, stealing and any other criminal behavior which are more effective than scratching the surface. I have personally experienced a violent crime against me as an officer and because they wanted her to have treatment instead of prison time she was allotted time in a halfway house where she stayed a short time for therapy and was released. How I feel about this is very different than a 3rd party looking in. I believe in some instances people can be rehabilitated and they do want to change. Wanting to change is the key thought, if a person doesn't see a problem with the choices they are making and where their life is going, no amount of treatment or rehabilitation will change that. I have observed individuals go to treatment multiple times before they get tired of relapsing and decide to make the change mentally in order to make the change physically.