Reducing the criminal activities of known offenders and delinquents

Abstract

Past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior. From this perspective, it is reasonable to attempt to prevent crime by preventing known offenders from continuing their criminal behavior. This chapter focuses on the options for dealing with actual perpetrators once they are identified so that crime in the community can be reduced. While traditional crime prevention efforts are directed toward those who are not yet involved in crime, a broader definition includes any setting that reduces crime in the community. By definition, therefore, included as crime prevention are programs in the courts and corrections that focus on reducing the criminal activities of known offenders.