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AICrime reduction matters

No. 27: Understanding deterrence

ISSN 1448-1383
4 November 2004

Abstract

The idea of deterrence is that if you do something wrong and are caught, then the subsequent punishment will deter you from doing that wrong again. The fear of future punishment therefore discourages or deters transgressing of social norms expressed through the law. This paper outlines general forms of deterrence, which include laws, police, courts, penalties and prisons, and specific forms of deterrence, which are directed at particular crimes or social problems that are perceived to be especially harmful. The paper discusses examples of specific deterrence, including the successful use of random breath testing (RBT) in New South Wales to deter drink driving, and the Boston Gun Project's Operation Ceasefire in the United States, which caused a rapid decline in gun related homicides among youth gang members in South Boston. Both of these examples show the importance of effectively communicating the certainty of punishment if caught, backed up by a real increase in the perceived risk of apprehension.