Sociology 2266A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 1-9: National Crime Victimization Survey, Real Crime, Motor Vehicle Theft
14 Dec 2013
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States that the most publicized offenses are far more dramatic than those commonly found in real life. Media carried away by horror-distortion sequence; they find a horror story and entertain the public with it. The mass of minor offense: self report surveys pick up a lot of information on minor offences, minor drugs far exceed major drugs, and occasional usage far exceeds regular usage. Warns us against overrating the power of criminal justice agencies. The crime comes first, justice system follows. Police work: very mundane, important things you learn: Many calls or service never lead to a real crime report. Many complaints bother few citizens but do not directly threaten the whole community. Relied on rare and delayed, but extreme penalties. Never catches up with crime itself, which gives sure and quick rewards to offenders. Is the illusion that we could never do a crime. Denies every illegal act ever committed or contemplated.
