NCJ Number
121581
Journal
Research Bulletin Issue: 26 Dated: (1989) Pages: 5-8
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A strong academic criminology, in close touch with practitioners, is necessary for the health of society.
Abstract
Given the multiplicity of divergent criminological theories and dominant historical criminological themes that contradict one another, it is no surprise that policymakers may believe that theoretical criminology offers no practical advice for action. Academics, on the other hand, criticize irrational policy determined by public opinion and politics rather than empirical research. The absence of consistency and consensus in criminological thinking, however, should not discount its value for policymaking. Relevant research findings must be examined as input for all policymaking. Criminologists, on the other hand, must appreciate that in a democratic society, crime policy does not, and should not, proceed from any single criminological theory or perspective. Instead, policy emerges from interaction and conflict between different experiences, ideologies, and theories of crime and how best to deal with it. 11 references.