Question

Your state has experienced a sharp rise in the crime rate over the past year. The governor and state legislature have invited Professor Karson, a conflict criminologist, to propose mechanisms for reducing crime. Given conflict criminology's focus on mid-range approaches to crime reduction, which of the following is Professor Karson most likely to propose?

A. Increased police presence in high-crime areas
B. Strengthening community programs and social services
C. Stricter sentencing and law enforcement measures
D. Implementing routine activities theory for crime prevention

Answer 1

Professor Karson, a conflict criminologist, would most likely suggest strengthening community programs and social services to reduce crime, focusing on the root causes and improving opportunities for community members.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given conflict criminology's focus on mid-range approaches to crime reduction, Professor Karson is most likely to propose strengthening community programs and social services. Conflict criminology emphasizes the structural causes of crime, such as social and economic inequalities, and the need for solutions that address these fundamental issues.

Strategies based on this approach might include improving early childhood education to impact cognitive and non-cognitive skills development, implementing job training programs to alter opportunity costs of crime, and fostering community engagement to enhance ties and trust between the community and law enforcement.