Violent Crime Decrease and TV

Posted on January 8, 2008
Filed Under Views |

An editorial from one of our guest writers…

Great news! Violent crime in the U.S. has decreased by almost 60% since 1993. As a former law student, I’m wondering why. First, I must say I’m a bit surprised that the decrease is so significant. Considering the slap on the wrist some violent crimes receive (assault and battery is usually a mere misdemeanor), and considering how full our country’s prisons are already, I would expect the crime rate to stay about the same.

No one knows the answer, but some speculate that the police are doing a more thorough job because of the terrorism hoopla. I’m thinking it has more to do with the criminals’ mindsets. If criminals watch T.V. as much as everyone else, they’ve seen all the crime shows that are on almost every major channel. You might think this would create smarter criminals. It might. But I think it also serves to scare away potential criminals who realize they aren’t geniuses.

I can imagine a would-be burglar’s thoughts: “If I break in that house, someone might be home. And what if I accidentally kill them. I need to wear gloves to hide my fingerprints. Oh, and I have to cover my hair. But if someone scratches me, I’ll have to figure out how to remove my dna from their nails. What if their neighbor has a video camera? What if I tear my coat on the way out, and they trace it back to me?

“This isn’t a good idea. I’d better just shoplift instead.”

Crime TV has taught everyone that it’s not that easy to get away with violent crimes. High-tech forensics will catch you (like in CSI), maybe even 20 years later (like in Cold Case).

And have you seen the new rash of prison shows? Now the potential criminals know what’ll happen tothem if and when they get caught. Not a pretty picture. What do you think? Could today’s television shows be the reason crime has gone down?

Reminder: Law on television and law in the real world of course vary dramatically. Although TV has good insights and is entertaining, consult a lawyer for legal advice.

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Comments

One Response to “Violent Crime Decrease and TV”

  1. DrJon on January 8th, 2008 6:40 am

    See the persuasive Freakonomics reference to Rowe v Wade.

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