Final answer:
According to Cornish and Clarke's rational choice theory, policies that effectively raise the costs associated with crimes, such as increased risk or likelihood of getting caught, will deter criminal activities. Burglar alarms on houses would be the most effective policy from the provided options as they act as a direct deterrent by increasing the risk of detection. The correct answer is option b.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cornish and Clarke's rational choice theory in criminology posits that offenders make rational decisions by weighing the costs and benefits of committing a crime. Therefore, when determining which policy would be most effective in reducing the occurrence of criminal events, options that increase the costs or risks associated with crime, thereby affecting the decision-making process of potential offenders, should be considered.
Based on the theory and considering the options provided: ending patriarchy, burglar alarms on houses, displacement programs, and rehabilitation programs within the correctional system, the most effective in reducing crime would be those that directly raise the opportunity costs or risk of detection and punishment for the offender. Therefore, burglar alarms on houses would be effective, as they directly increase the risk of detection and potential apprehension, acting as a deterrent. This aligns with the rational choice framework since potential burglars might decide the risks outweigh the benefits.
Whilst other options such as rehabilitation programs or displacement programs have their place within the criminal justice system, they do not directly correlate with the instantaneous calculations that an offender might make before deciding to commit a crime, which is the central tenet of Cornish and Clarke's theory.