Case for a "New Victimology": Implications for Policing (From Policing and Victims, P 1-16, 2002, Laura J. Moriarty, ed., -- See NCJ-192835)

• NCJ Number: 192836
• Author(s): Matthew B. Robinson
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: Prentice Hall Publishing
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter defines victimology and describes its impact on policing.

Abstract

The concept of victimization includes any act that produces financial or physical harm and that is committed intentionally, negligently, recklessly, or knowingly. A new victimology is one that consists of the scientific study of individual persons, groups of people, or corporations who are victimized by acts committed intentionally, negligently, recklessly, or knowingly. Most police activity occurs at the local level. The focus of local police is still on street crime. Therefore, the general focus of police is on a very small amount of criminal acts, and an even smaller amount of culpable harmful acts. This means that the majority of types of victimizations, even those that stem from harmful, culpable behavior, are virtually ignored by police in America. Victimizations against individuals or entities such as groups and corporations committed by other entities are generally not handled by the criminal justice system. They are handled through civil law or regulatory agencies. The five basic goals of policing are enforcing laws, preserving the peace, preventing crime, providing services, and upholding civil rights. Approximately 90 percent of a police officer’s time is spent in the social service function. The smallest amount of time is spent assisting victims of crime. The impact of the new victimology on policing means that there should be a redistribution of police time and resources to other forms of victimization. The following changes in policing are suggested: (1) lessening the focus of police/law enforcement on street crimes, particularly victimless crimes; (2) emphasizing other forms of culpable harms which currently are being ignored; (3) reallocating police resources from city and county agencies to State and Federal agencies; (4) re-educating police officers about the forms of victimization other than street crimes; and (5) developing advertising campaigns aimed at educating the general public about forms of culpable harms. 4 tables, 35 references