NCJ Number
181790
Journal
Criminology Volume: 38 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2000 Pages: 171-197
Editor(s)
Robert J. Bursik Jr.
Date Published
2000
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This study examined drug robber behavior in light of the notion that informal sanction threats influence criminal decision making.
Abstract
Data were obtained from in-depth interviews with 25 currently active drug robbers recruited from the streets of St. Louis. Interviews were semi-structured and were conducted in an informal manner, thereby allowing offenders to respond freely and to introduce their own concepts and categories. Questions focused on the most recent drug robbery but allowed for sufficient expansion to gauge whether this offense was executed in typical fashion. Drug robbers ranged in age from 15 to 46 years. Three strategies were explored in analyzing how drug robbers perceived and responded to the incentive of drug dealers to retaliate--intimidation, anonymity maintenance, and hyper-vigilance. It was found that these strategies were implemented at various points in time and were also used in degrees, in specific sequences, in concert, or in lieu of others. Even when strictly adhered to, the strategies were not fool-proof. Theoretical implications of the data for deterrence and violence contagion are explored. 52 references, 8 footnotes, and 1 figure