NCJ Number
86212
Date Published
1982
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study compares the error control and social resolution models of crime control through the regulation of victim behavior.
Abstract
Crime control depends upon victims acting in such a way that the goals of law enforcement and criminal prosecution are met. One model for regulating victim behavior to control crime is an error control model. In this model, whatever efforts are made to induce victim cooperation are exerted only after law enforcement has failed to prevent the impact of crime which is to be regulated. In such a model, regulation must always be considered in terms of the environment's unknown future contributions to victim behavior. Not all victim service programs related to crime control are based upon error control models, so they offer greater opportunities for effective regulation. Some victim service programs are based upon the role of victims as social control agents as well as crime control agents. The social resolution model of crime control aims at regulating victim behavior to acceptable levels but in respect to a cause control model rather than an error control model. Similar to the error control model, the regulator exercises no direct control over environmental impacts which contribute to unacceptable or acceptable outcomes of victim behavior; however, the regulator of the cause control model responds to the victims' interpretation of the impact of the incident and maps the range of options correspondingly. This response has the effect of lessening the probability of unacceptable outcomes due to the environment's impact by making unacceptable behavior unnecessary to cope with the impact of incidents. Eleven notes and 17 references are provided.