Select one of the theories covered in Module 1, Module 2, Module 3, Module 4, or Module 5. Then,
1. Develop a comprehensive crime prevention strategy based on the assumptions of that theory.
- Describe the theory and its assumptions
- Describe the strategy in depth—what will it entail, who is the target population, where will it be implemented, and who will carry it out
- Discuss the strategy’s feasibility (note, the strategy must be feasible), potential advantages/disadvantages, and originality
- Discuss why it would work based on the assumptions of the chosen theory (or, if there are aspects of the theory that the strategy does not consider, how might this impact its effectiveness)
OR
2. Modify an already existing strategy based on your chosen theory
- Describe the theory and its assumptions
- Describe the strategy in depth—what does it entail, who is the target population, where it is implemented, and who carries it out
- Describe your modification in detail
- Discuss why a modification is necessary, including supporting research evidence and why it may work based on the assumptions of the chosen theory
OR
3. Evaluate an existing strategy or one that has been previously implemented, based on your chosen theory
- Describe the theory and its assumptions
- Describe the strategy in depth—what does it entail, who is the target population, where it is implemented, and who carries it out
- Discuss its effectiveness (strategy evaluation) including supporting research evidence
- Discuss why it works or does not work based on the assumptions of the chosen theory (or why it might be less effective if the strategy does not consider important aspects of the theory)
Examples of existing strategies (for options 2 & 3)
- Aid for Dependent Families and Children (Welfare)
- WIC (Women, Infant, & Children)
- Community Policing
- GREAT
- Neighborhood Watch Groups
- CCTV
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Programs
- Megan’s Law
- Drug Courts
- Prisoner Re-entry Faith Based Programs
- Juvenile Waivers to Adult Courts
- Rockefeller Drug Laws
- Three Strikes Laws
- Mandatory Arrest for Domestic Violence
- Prison Restrictive Housing
- Project Safe Neighborhoods
- Shot Spotters
- Operation Ceasefire
- Scared Straight
- Juvenile Boot Camps
- Death Penalty
- Hot Spot Policing
- ByStander Education Training
- Stand Your Ground Laws
- Victim/Offender Conferencing
- Extreme risk protection orders
- Officer Body-Worn Cameras
- Big Brother/Big Sister
*Note this is not an exhaustive list. If you have another strategy in mind please seek the advice of your instructor.
Formatting
- 3,000 to 3500 words/ 12 to 14 pages (not including cover or reference page)
- Times New Roman
- 12 point font,
- double spaced,
- 1”inch margins all around,
- Include cover page with title
- APA heading and subheading formatting
- Include page numbers
- APA in text citations and reference page
Other Requirements
- Include at least 10 reference sources. 50% of these must be empirical peer-reviewed journal articles. While you are encouraged to use the textbooks assigned in the course, they do not count as part of the required 10 references.
- Do not use contractions in formal writing
- Allowed to use only one direct quote for every 1,000 words of text (not including cover page and reference page)
