Crime control tactics are influenced by a combination of factors including capitalist production methods and attendant labor force requirements, class needs and interests, and the interests of cross-class groups. The history of the criminalization of activities and the development of control mechanisms indicates that a Marxist perspective devoted solely to the consideration of class as a motivator for development and of control mechanisms as a tool for controlling the activities of workers is inadequate. Although these factors are important considerations, the desire of the working class to protect itself, the rise of groups which cross class lines during periods when class consciousness has been weak, and the aggregate interests of individuals are also important, as recognized by Marxist theory. Systems and agency theories of the development of crime control mechanisms are also briefly reviewed. Notes and about 135 references are included.