The Importance of Awareness and Resolutions

There are many factors that can contribute to crime; therefore it is nearly impossible to place the blame on one particular factor. Criminal behavior analysis identifies multiple factors that are in correlation with crime. We know that these factors evolve from an individual’s environment and genetics. Realistically speaking, all people experience environmental and genetic factors that influence their personality, behavior, and life style; however what aspects ultimately separate the criminals from the non-criminals are important to know. Researchers need to study and identify patterns dealing with that issue, as well as considering the severity, multiplicity, and the combination of factors to figure out what associates more with crime. For instance, is an individual who has family structure, but lives in poverty and receives a poor education, more susceptible to criminal behavior than an individual whose environment lacks family structure, and suffers from a disorder, but excels in academics? By conducting analysis on all the different variables, findings can be beneficial in the fight to prevent criminal behavior, and providing successful opportunities for our youth outside their crime influencing environment.  Every criminal-influencing factor can take part in predisposing an individual to criminal behavior, but there are specific factors seen as providing gateways into being susceptible to other factors, and the main cause of crime.  These specific factors that are obvious to me are; family, education, disorders, inheritable gene traits, and substance abuse.

A crime preventative plan should research the source of the problem by dealing first and foremost with the family factor. According to Jones, “The rival explanations for the apparent relationship between family and crime can roughly be divided between the ‘sociological’ and the ‘psychological’. The ‘psychological’ explanation is that families are responsible for shaping the mind and personality of the individual” (105). The sociological explanation is the family’s environment. For example, a child can have parents that teach the child to be respectful, honest, and caring, but the child can lack attention from their parents due to sociological factors such as poverty, single parent, and having multiple children.  “It would seem there is evidence that the family does have a role, at the very least as a factor that interacts with other variables” (Jones, 105). Parents should be educated concerning all risk factors associated with family and crime through parent meetings, parenting classes, crisis help lines, and through other sources of help that are easily accessible. Equally important are the implementation of diverse programs that divert youth and decrease the pressures that weight on youth to commit crime.

Research, research, and research can not be stressed enough, because without research Jones would not be able to state that, “evidence points to the significance of detrimental family experiences in the background of those who might be deemed to suffer from personality disorders” (104). Parents need to be aware of information like that, so parents understand how vulnerable youth are in becoming a product of their environment. Parents can protect their children by acknowledging that children follow in the foot steps of their parents, relating to the saying “the apple does not fall far from the tree”. The behavior and decisions that parents make, always impact the lives of their children. The prevention of at risk youth starts at home with the family. When families fail these at risk youth, there needs to be reinforcement.

Where can youth find structure and positive attention, if they can not find it at home? School/education is the next place where youth spend most of their time; therefore teachers are in the position to identify at risk youth, when parents neglect to do so. Anderson points out that, “But it is possible to add structure to the life of a child even if the home situation is not stable. A stable long-term relationship with a teacher or teacher’s aid can help; special assistants in schools and behavior assistants for CD (conduct disorder) children are now proving their worth. Teaching children themselves to respect diversity and changing the caring atmospheres in schools can help” (112). Sometimes at risk youth run the risk of not being acknowledge, or are non receptive to help; therefore there needs to be training class for teaches, counseling, tutoring  and programs in all forms that aim at the efforts of helping these youth. The longer it takes for these at risk youth to be identified, their willingness to be assisted, and provided resources, the further these  youth fall behind educationally. Youth will then be failed twice, and will run the risk of being more vulnerable to associate themselves with substance abuse, gangs, and disorders that increases the probability of criminal behavior.

 A sobering study done by Joseph A. Califano, Jr., Chairman and President of The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University reveals that,

“Drug and alcohol abuse and addiction are implicated in the crimes and incarceration of 80 percent--some 1.4 million--of the 1.7 million men and women behind bars in America. Those 1.4 million offenders in state and federal prisons and local jails violated drug or alcohol laws, were high at the time they committed their crimes, stole property to buy drugs, or have a history of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction--or share some combination of these characteristics. Among these 1.4 million inmates are parents of 2.4 million children, many of them minors.” Those are astounding percentages; overwhelming to think that most of those 2.4 million children will be cheated out the opportunity of becoming a productive, successful member of society, and unfortunately will become our future criminals. Substance abuse is another stringent factor that can lead to criminality and the propensity of individuals obtaining mental disorders.  

Understanding and analyzing what makes one individual more predisposed to crime than another is essential and imperative to do, when examining all the factors of an individual’s environment and genetic history.  Having enough people; parents, teachers, youth, and preventative crime and children welfare activist will enhance the efforts of awareness and knowledge of the issues. A combined effort will alert parents and society to take part in diluting the problem through the formulation of programs, organizations, training, medical support, and many more ways. Without this effort many youth will be plagued with criminal influencing factors causing these youth to eventually become society’s future criminals.

References

Anderson, Gail S. Biological Influences on Criminal Behavior. New York: Simon Fraser University, 2007.

Jones, David W. Understanding Criminal Behaviour. London: Willan, 2008.

Califano, Joseph A. Jr. Behind Bars: Substance Abuse and America's Prison Population. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse At Columbia University. Jan. 1998: 1.

Disorders, Substance Abuse and Crime

Environmental and genetic factors were briefly discussed in the previous blogs, but it is important to mention that an individual, who is subjected to these criminally-influenced factors, can consequently face substance abuse and the development of a disorder(s). Substance abuse can also contribute to the development of a disorder, as well as having a disorder can contribute to substances abuse. We know that disorders and substance abuse can be inherently related to genetics and environmental factors, but these two factors should be looked at separately because there is a high percentage of criminals that have disorders and engage in substance abuse. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) conducted an interview with the National Institute of Medical Health Epidemiologic Catchment Area Program which declared that, “For those with either an alcohol or other drug disorder, the odds of having the other addictive disorders were seven times greater than in the rest of the population” (1). Unfortunately, it is not enough that some individuals are genetically and environmentally predisposed to crime, but they also run the risk of encountering other factors indirectly related such as disorders and substance abuse.

 Anxiety, mood, psychotic, substance dependency, sexual, and personality disorders are some of the disorders that can control an individual, making them a criminal threat to society and themselves. One might ponder what causes such disorders that might contribute to criminality. “Although the exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, it is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.” (Web MD) A disorder can develop in more ways than one. Awareness is important.  People need to know that there is a correlation between criminals and disorders. Hence, more analysis needs to be done with the focus on crime and mental disorders as well as factoring in substance abuse. Once there is more research then it is much easier to determine how to prevent and solve a problem. Substance abuse should not be an excuse to why an individual commits a crime, but the reason why individual’s abuse substances should be understood to formulate a resolution to reduce drug abuse in society which will result in a decrease in crime. 

I witnessed environmental factors, genetic factors, disorder(s), and substance abuse overwhelming a family member of mine, which created a criminal-minded, self-destructive person. This person was brought up by an over protective mother and a controlling, alcoholic father. He also had a schizophrenic brother who physically took out all the emotions on his brother that he was experiencing at the beginning stages of the disorder. As a result of his environment and possible genetic factors, this person developed depression, anxiety, and antisocial personality disorders, in which he tried to compensate through alcoholism and drug use. There was plenty criminal misconduct that came along with these factors such as driving under the influence, spousal abuse, assaults, possession of drugs, and theft. Fortunately, the unexpected pregnancy of his first born shed light on all the darkness in his life. He finally found a positive way to compensate, which was making sure his daughter wouldn’t encounter the same or similar misfortune as he did. It wasn’t easy, but through the inspiration of his daughter, family support, anti-depressant medication, running, and meditation he is a completely different person. He also received his GED, enrolled in vocational training, and obtained a job. He is a proven fact that individuals who share similar or different experiences are not a lost cause, and that there is hope for these individuals to live a better life.

It is difficult to help a person when they cannot see the harm in what they do, and can not control the effects of the many different factors that alter their mental state. Helping them may be a difficult process because it is vital that any criminal behavior is not condoned; however it is important not to give up hope in them because they are expecting to be abandoned and let down.


References

Genetics and Criminal Behavior

There has been a long standing debate whether criminal behavior spawned from social or genetic factors, but until recently researchers have accepted that both can be responsible. Having genetic factors relating to mental disorders, alcoholism, and aggression can make an individual more predisposed to criminal behavior, than an individual who does not contain those genetic-criminal influences. Many criminals are diagnosed with having a mental disorder or an alcohol problem. Landsberg and Rees points out that, “The 2003 report of the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice (NCMHJJ) suggests that “70 to 80 percent are believed to have a diagnosable mental health disorder” and “at least one out of five has a serious mental disorder” (205). That percentage is extremely high and even though mental disorders do not solely originate from genetics, some of that percentage does pertain to genetics. It is also mentioned that alcohol and substance abuse disorders range from 50-70 percent in juveniles as well. “There is no single gene for Type II alcoholism but researchers have identifies several genes that may be involved, particularly those involved with neurotransmitters function such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and others. These neurotransmitters are involved in brain function and have been linked to aggression and antisocial behavior” (Anderson 113). This is why the study of genetics is relevant to the research on criminal behavior.

Having genes that are associated with criminal behavior does not mean that an individual will become a criminal. “Genes do not cause crime, they simply influence all aspects of our body, including all the chemical messengers in the body, such as hormones and neurotransmitters; these, in turn, influence behavior” (Anderson 95). It is difficult to identify if a person will inherit genetic-criminal influences, and most importantly whether or not an individual will exhibit criminal behavior. Researchers study genetic factors that are linked to criminal behavior in hopes of becoming more aware and educated on how to prevent and treat those individuals genetically predisposed to crime.

Being predisposed to the possibility of criminal behavior through genetics can not be completely safeguarded through positive environmental factors. For example, take into account adoption studies dealing with children whose biological parents have a history crime and or mental disorders. There are studies that show, that children who were adopted and raised in a positive environment can still end up displaying criminal behavior. Tehrani and Mednick refers to a case on “ How does an individual who is raised in a stable adoptive home grow up to become Jeremy Strohmeyer, the young man convicted of raping and murdering an eight-year-old girl in a Nevada casino” (1). Cases like that reaffirm the importance of studying genetics.

When both negative social and genetic factors are present it can take a turn for the worst. Substance abuse is another negative factor to consider especially when it is associated with social and genetic criminal influences. Imagine a person inheriting a mental disorder, living in a criminal breeding environment, and compensate for his/her troubles through substances abuse; what good can come from those odds? However, a positive environment, health treatment, awareness, and preventative programs can decrease the opportunity of triggering and subjecting an individual to criminal behavior.

References

Anderson, Gail S. Biological influences on Criminal Behavior. New York: Simon Fraser University, 2007.

Mednick, Sarnoff A., and Jasmine A. Tehrani. “Genetic Factors and Criminal Behavior. Federal Probation Journal.” 64:2 (2000): 1-3.

Landsberg, Gerald, and Jo Rees. “Forensic Practices and Serving Dually Diagnosed Youth Involved With the Juvenile Justice System.” Handbook of Forensic Mental Health with Victims and Offenders. Ed. David W. Springer and Albert R. Roberts. New York: Springer, 2007. 205-208.

Criminal Behavior Stems from Social Environmental Factors and Places Constraints on our Children’s Future Success

There is a battle going on everyday that is unseen by many. The battle is between at risk youth and social environmental factors that promote criminality. When oppressed by these environmental factors, constraints are put on the future of our youth. Attaining a better life style than the one they were subjected to living, is believed to be unreachable. Even the few that reach success through athletics and musical talent are not clear of criminal behavior. For example, many athletes and music artists are charged with drug abuse, drug possession, assault, weapon possession, animal cruelty, and domestic violence. Once criminal behavior is seeded in a person it is difficult to get rid of such behavioral habits.    

Social disorganization develops social environmental factors that make it difficult for our youth to attain or desire qualities that are socially acceptable and ideal. Disorganization within a community consists of high crime rates, low income families, poor parenting, low levels of education, and a lack of positive community involvement.
Family and education are two core environmental factors that can influence the direction an individual will take in life. “North Carolina Representative Anna Barnes said the legislation recognizes the school and family problems that contribute to crime and delinquency. ‘There is a pretty strong feeling among most people, legislators included, that much of youth violence stems from juveniles’ environments and early associations, she said.’” Family and education play a huge role in a child’s life. For example, one child can be more predisposed to criminal behavior than another even if the two individuals live in the same environment. Family structure and educational involvement can be the difference and the reason for a decrease in criminal behavior.

Family structure should provide the foundation for a child to learn what is morally right and wrong. A child needs guidance while growing up, so they learn how to function in society.   In the article “Sociological and Environmental Factors of Criminal Behavior” the author states that, “Socialization refers to the developmental period where the ideals of morality and socially acceptable behavior are instilled in a child”. It is apparent that many at risk youth will never encounter a period of socialization, or will instead be taught what is acceptable in their communal setting. Family is the first place children look to for love, advice, attention, and a sense of worthiness. When family plays no beneficial role in a child’s life there needs to somewhere that a child can find positive reinforcement to have a chance in braking the cycle. 

Education can be that positive reinforcement. Education is important because it creates a sense of self worth, motivation, higher standards, structure, and much more. Education is an important element in a child’s life, but it is unfortunate that educational opportunities and assistance are not equivalent in every community. If education is not promoted regardless of the intelligence of a child, he or she will not be motivated and will fall behind. Never gaining any positive qualities that education can offer. 

    Some youth are victims of their own environment. Parents should want more for their children. A better life than that of their own, but many parents are selfish, hopeless, drug addicts, or incapable of trying to manage all the burdens of a single parent in an unpromising environment. Society should want these at risk youth to obtain a quality education, so they have an opportunity to succeed in life.  Prevention is an important factor in achieving a brighter future for at risk youth, as well as decreasing criminal behavior. When there is disparity amongst opportunities for youth to succeed there are consequences. The consequences vary depending on these social environmental factors. Measures should start at home with family and education. Noticeably when that is not happening, programs and training should be available to those that can and want to prevent this damaging cycle.

References

References

             Scott Groginsky ; Jay Kroshus. State Legislatures Magazine.

“An Ounce of Prevention”. May 01, 1995. National Conference of State Legislature.

“Sociological and Environmental Factors of Criminal Behavior” 2000.

http://www.udel.edu/chem/C465/senior/fall00/GeneticTesting/enviro.htm

The importance of why criminal behavior should be studied

            Criminal behavior is a troubling issue that the world has been dealing with and will continuing to deal with for years to come. What causes criminal behavior, who is affected, and how can we prevent criminal activity? Those are some of the questions why people study criminal behavior. People believe that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in why people behave criminally.

There are personality disorders that are inheritable which can make it difficult for those individuals to function normally in a society. Some of the personality disorders that come to mind are hyperactivity, anti-social, bi-polar and schizophrenia. The effect that these personality disorders can have on a person can be so frustrating, stressful, and uncontrollable that one can only imagine not being able to free him or her self from these emotions. Sometimes the only way a person with a personality disorder can relieve him or her self is through acting out and sometimes it’s criminal; especially when environmental factors are involved as well.

   For some individuals it is difficult to comprehend that some people are predisposed to criminality. They have difficulties believing that there are contributing factors to criminal behavior because we are all entitled to free will and know right from wrong. On the other hand its like that famous Native American quote  “ Never judge a person until you have walked a mile in their moccasins”. Imagine living in a high poverty area with no family structure and attending probably one of the lowest funded and tested schools. Surrounded by drug dealers, prostitutes, gang members, and thieves what chance does our youth have escaping becoming a product of their environment? At a young age our youth are being stigmatized which results in generating a self fulfilling prophecy of criminal behavior. 

 It is understandable for people to see criminal behavior as being one’s choice, but it must be recognized that there are many factors that can also contribute to a person becoming a criminal. Youth are more susceptible to these contributing factors of criminal behavior due to individual, family, school, peer-related, and community and neighborhood factors as mentioned in Critical Issues in Crime and Justice Thought, Policy, and Practice by Mary Maguire and Dan Okada (p. 70). If these factors were studied by those who believe that people commit crime for pure self indulgence they will find that criminal behavior is sometimes a way of life or survival for others due to the criminal activity that constantly surrounds them . Decreasing the risk factors that lead to criminality amongst our youth is crucial in the effort to prevent criminal behavior. There needs to be more youth impacted programs that employ strong minded individuals that earnestly want to engage in the problem of today’s contributing factors of criminal behavior.