NCJ Number
80738
Journal
Urban Life Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: (April 1981) Pages: 25-46
Date Published
1981
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Stages in a robber's gaining compliance from a victim to complete a robbery are identified and described.
Abstract
Robbery transactions usually involve the joint contribution of the offender and victim in accomplishing four tasks. First, the offender establishes copresence with the victim, moving into striking range without the victim's awareness or readiness to defend against robbery. Second, the offender and victim transform their encounter toward a common perception of the likely consequences of the confrontation. This involves the robber convincing the target that he can successfully injure or kill the victim if the requested valuables are not handed over. If potential victims are not convinced that the robber has the means or the will to do harm, then they are likely to resist, challenge, or flee from the robber. In the third stage, one or both opponents transfer the victim's goods, and in the fourth stage, the offender leaves the scene. Failure to accomplish any one of these stages may result in the disintegration of the transaction. Of particular importance is the victim's belief that handing over the valuables will result in the robber's leaving the scene without inflicting harm. Victims who believe that injury or death will result regardless of compliance, are likely to take protective action. Eight notes and 20 references are provided.