Crime, Criminal and Crime Control Policy Myths

• NCJ Number: 102004
• Journal: Justice Quarterly Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1986) Pages: 193-214
• Author(s): R M Bohm
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 22 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: This is a revised version of a paper presented at the annual meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Las Vegas, Nevada, April, 1985.

Annotation

This essay examines myths that inform common conceptions of crime and criminals and the implementation of crime control policy.

Abstract

It also explores sources of the reasons for the perpetuation of these myths. A principal thesis is that myths are perpetuated because they serve both the short-term interests of the general public as well as the long-term interests of social elites. Finally, the essay considers contradictions and consequences of beliefs and policies based on myths. Over 60 references. (Author abstract)