Crime rates can go up or down depending on how ______ change without any changes in offender motivation or in the prevalence of motivated offenders.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Crime rates can be influenced by changes in situations, such as changes in social or economic conditions, the availability of targets, changes in law enforcement practices, and changes in situational opportunities for crime. These changes can occur without any significant changes in offender motivation or in the number of motivated offenders. For example, a decrease in law enforcement presence or an increase in unemployment may lead to an increase in crime rates in a particular area, even if the number of motivated offenders remains the same. Therefore, the best choice is A) situations.

Crime Rates Can Go Up or Down Depending on How