The definition of rational choice theory is as follows: the view that crime is a function of a decision making process, in which the potential offender weights the potential costs and benefits of an illegal act.
People who support the rational choice theory believe that all criminals are rational in their decision making, and knowingly choose to achieve their “goals” by either conventional or criminal means, many times with the only factor to be considered the fear of punishment, and if it is worth the risk. Theorists who support the rational choice theory believe that criminal activity is a choice made by a person in regards to their personal needs, mental state,after weighting the criminal behavior against legitimate alternatives, and the risk of being caught and punished. For many, crime becomes a more attractive alternative to lawful behavior, as it brings about all the desirable outcomes with little to no work.
Violent criminals seem to be at the heart of the rational choice theory, as violent crimes normally are far more planned and calculated than non-violent crimes. Evidence confirms that even violent criminals select suitable targets by picking people who are vulnerable and lack adequate defenses. (Siegel, L. Criminology the core; third edition). Robbers and muggers tend to prey on those who are weak or unaware of their surroundings, this takes careful planning. Muggers must plot out the best time of the day, when people are in a hurry or have their hands full with children or groceries. Through observation these criminals know that when distracted a persons guard is down and their focus is elsewhere allowing them to get away before the victim even realizes what happened. Robbers have to become familiarized with the place they intend to rob. They become familiar with the staff, as to figure out who is the most vulnerable or who they can overtake with the most ease, they also observe the best time of day to get in and out without being caught, as well as the time when the most money or assets will be available. Serial killers and many times rapists use their abilities of being cunning and stealthy to their advantage to avoid being caught. Serial killers are normally very organized in their methods, so much that they almost have it down to a science. They have researched and tested ways to get away with their crimes. Many are very concise with planning down to the second of what must take place in a certain time frame. Rapists and other sexual predators choose targets that have low self esteem, a broken family life, people to young to communicate, and those to afraid to speak. This is there way of ensuring that the person will not turn them in, or that people will not believe them. Criminals also tend to find other criminals to target as they are less likely to get the law involved. (Siergel, L. Criminology the core; third edition)
One major policy implication I can think of is that if we could try to make the punishment far worse than the excitement the criminal gets by using unconventional means to acquire “rewards”, we could possibly break the trend of criminals trying to get an “easy fix ” to some of life’s problems. However I do not know how well this would work on violent criminals as they are really gaining nothing except for a sick fulfillment of committing an illegal act and by the thrill they get from hurting others. It is here that I believe our criminal justice system needs to beef up and really make punishments fit crimes, I believe in “an eye for an eye” and therefore if you killed someone, or committed a violent act the best punishment, however inhumane this may sound, is to enact the same malicious act onto the offender. I know this may sound inhumane, but I truly believe that violent criminal offenders will not, and cannot change. When you acquire pleasure from another persons suffering you are not mentally stable, and therefore are not a functioning part of society.
I completely agree with the rational choice theory and believe every criminal makes a rational choice to commit a criminal act no matter how long they though it out, the fact that they thought at all means they had the time to make the choice, right or wrong.
