Criminology

As a tool for crime prevention, crime scripts serve an important purpose by identifying intervention points which if monitored, can reduce the incidence of successful crimes being committed. However, crime prevention involves not just the sequential mapping of possible stages but the profiles and motives of the criminals.

 By accumulating data on the criminal behaviour, law enforcement officers will be able to identify what kind of people commit certain crimes. Based on reports generated by computer programs which match a criminal profile with a particular crime, police can put possible suspects under surveillance. This measure prevents suspected criminals from carrying out criminal acts since their movements are being monitored.

Successful crime resolution requires intervention policies aimed at reducing the benefits that act as a motivating factor. Most crimes are committed with a financial motive in mind and provided the financial benefit is removed, there is little incentive for criminals to engage in crime. Introducing stricter rules concerning the sale of second hand goods will deter unscrupulous traders from dealing in stolen property. New laws imposing harsh sentences for criminal acts will act as a deterrent to criminals and have the effect of reducing crime. The costbenefit analysis will result in a small premium for criminal activity and potential offenders will rather seek other income generating activities.