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Offending Behavior - Skills and Stratagems for Going Straight

NCJ Number
97540
Author(s)
J McGuire; P Priestley
Date Published
1985
Length
229 pages
Annotation
This handbook examines the dynamics of lawbreaking behavior and describes methods for helping offenders to remedy their own deviant behavior.
Abstract
Official reactions to offending behavior, including punishment, treatment, and practical help, are reviewed, and penal effectiveness is considered. Alternative approaches to to dealing with crime are discussed in the first part of the book, which describes a number of methods for investigating 'offense behavior,' such as recreation of the offense and the use of the '5 WH' approach (determining the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the offense). Methods for helping individuals assess and change their own offense-related attitudes and behavior are illustrated; the volume provides techniques for changing self-image, beliefs and values, social skills, self-control, risk taking, and decisionmaking. A section on relationships between the offender and society suggests ways of coping with the criminal justice system that are less injurious to offenders' subsequent chances for staying out of trouble. Further, actions that offenders can take to salvage the situation once they have run afoul of the law are also discussed. Finally, the question of whether changes could be made in the judicial and penal systems that could have direct effects on offense behavior is examined. Approximately 300 references are listed.

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