What is the focussed deterrence theory?
Asked by: Breanna Watsica | Last update: February 15, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (40 votes)
Focused deterrence theory is a crime prevention strategy that targets a small group of high-risk offenders driving most violence by combining strict law enforcement (certainty, swiftness, severity of punishment) with community support and social services, essentially warning them that continued crime will bring severe consequences while offering a path to change ("pulling levers"). It's based on deterrence theory, asserting that criminals are deterred when the risks outweigh the rewards, but applies it intensely to specific individuals and groups to stop gun violence and other serious crimes.
What is focused deterrence theory?
Focused deterrence strategies attempt to maximize law enforcement efforts by strategically and directly applying interventions and social service resources to individuals at high risk for recidivism.
What is deterrence theory in simple terms?
Deterrence is the theory that criminal penalties do not just punish violators, but also discourage other people from committing similar offenses. Many people point to the need to deter criminal actions after a high-profile incident in which an offender is seen to have received a light sentence.
What are the 5 principles of CPTED?
The five core principles of first-generation Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) are Natural Surveillance, Natural Access Control, Territorial Reinforcement, Maintenance, and Activity Support, all focused on using physical design to deter crime by increasing guardianship and reducing opportunities for offenders. These principles create environments where residents can easily see and monitor activities, control who comes and goes, feel ownership over spaces, and ensure the area looks cared for and used, making it less appealing to criminals.
Which of these are parts of a focused deterrence approach?
There are five key tasks typically involved in focused deterrence:
- Find those at risk of being involved with violence.
- Hold an intervention meeting.
- Provide services to those who want to change.
- Have community members provide ongoing support.
- Enhance enforcement for persons and groups that persist in crime.
Focused Deterrence Strategies (ANTHONY BRAGA, University of Pennsylvania)
What are the top anticipated outcomes of focused deterrence?
Nevertheless, in the focused deterrence approach, the emphasis is not only on increasing the risks associated with offending, but it is also on decreasing opportunity structures for crime, deflecting offenders away from crime, increasing the collective efficacy of communities, and increasing the legitimacy of police ...
What are the 3 C's of deterrence?
Classical deterrence theory consists of these three key components, the so-called “3 Cs” (Severity, Certainty and Celerity) of punishment.
What are the 3 d's of CPTED?
To begin to understand putting CPTED concepts into practice you should do a space assessment using the 3-D's - Designation, Design, Definition. Designation - All human space has some designated purpose. What is the designated purpose of the space?
What are the 4 D's of crime prevention?
Deny – the use or access to the criminal. Delay – methods used to slow down the criminal. Detect – the bad guys before or after the crime has been committed. Deter – the criminal from choosing one victim in favor of another.
What are the 5 P's of security?
The areas of focus – Plan, Protect, Prove, Promote, and Partner – each include their own set of security measures and critical controls that organizations can implement. By utilizing the 5 P's Cybersecurity Framework, you can ensure that your organization is well-prepared to protect itself from cyber threats.
What is the deterrence theory for dummies?
General deterrence theory is rooted in the idea that the public can be discouraged from committing crimes by preying on their fears. People are afraid of breaking the law because they fear the consequences they will suffer as a result.
What is a real world example of deterrence?
The internationalization of deterrence, including via nuclear sharing and nuclear umbrellas, became a key strategy for states seeking to project power while mitigating direct conflict. Examples include the Cuban Missile Crisis and NATO Double-Track Decision.
What is the perfect deterrence theory?
Perfect deterrence theory is a general theory of conflict initiation and resolution. Unlike clas- sical deterrence theory, perfect deterrence theory makes no particular assumption about the cost of conflict. It is, therefore, applicable to a much wider range of strategic relationships.
What is the best crime deterrent?
Why Invest in Burglar Deterrents?
- Smart Video Doorbell Cameras. ...
- Dogs. ...
- Security Gates. ...
- Keeping Open Spaces Around Your Home. ...
- An Alarm System. ...
- Get Friendly With Your Neighbors. ...
- Smart Locks. ...
- Secure Your Garage. Speaking of vulnerable spots in your home - your garage is another one you should take special care to secure.
What is a real life example of general deterrence?
General deterrence tries to send a message to the public by making the public fearful of the consequences of committing a crime, and therefore, less likely to commit a crime. Mandatory license revocation for repeat driving-while-intoxicated offenses is one example of general deterrence.
What is focused deterrence of high risk individuals?
Focused deterrence is a crime reduction strategy in which carefully selected high-risk offenders (prolifc or particularly violent criminal offenders) receive concentrated law enforcement attention and, simultaneously, offers of concentrated social services through direct, persuasive communication and rigorous follow-up ...
What are the five pillars of criminality?
It describes the five pillars that comprise the system: law enforcement, prosecution, courts, corrections, and the community.
What are the four core crimes?
ICL outlines four main categories of international crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.
What is an example of a deterrence crime?
An example of deterrence law is a law that prohibits the consumption of alcohol in public places. If someone were to be caught drinking alcohol on the streets, they would be subject to a fine or jail time.
Who is the father of CPTED?
The CPTED name itself was initially created by Professor C. Ray Jeffery (1971) and later expanded by Architect Oscar Newman in his book on Defensible Space (1972).
What are the key principles of CPTED?
There are four main principles of CPTED– natural surveillance, access control, territorial reinforcement and space management. Incorporating these four principles of CPTED can help to create a safe and secure environment that encourages activity, vitality and viability, enabling a greater level of security.
What are the 5 concepts of situational crime prevention?
It does this in five main ways: (1) by increasing the difficulties of crime, (2) by increasing the immediate risks of getting caught, (3) by reducing the rewards of offending, (4) by removing excuses for offending, and (5) by reducing temptations and provocations.
What is the paradox of deterrence?
If the adversary misinterpreted capabilities, intentions, or cost, the credibility of the force would be in doubt no matter what was done on the friendly side—and there is some evidence that instead of deterring, this misinterpretation may actually make conflict more likely.
What are the two types of deterrence theory?
What are the two types of deterrence? Deterrence theory is broken down into general deterrence and specific deterrence. General deterrence is concerned with the future behavior of the public, while specific deterrence is concerned with the future behavior of the individual offender.
What is the fifth wave of deterrence?
The fifth wave of deterrence develop- ment is rising at a point when established international security practices are fumbling to respond effectively to security challenges. Resilience can increase the ability of security institutions to cope with and respond to complex threats in a deliberative manner.