Discussion 1
The poverty syndrome, which affects many people in lower socioeconomic class, may be characterized as inadequate housing, education, and jobs as well as a resentment of those who control the social system. Homeless individuals, for example, have more frequent contact with the criminal justice system because they are on the streets and highly visible. Assume you are assigned as a patrol officer to the area in the instructions below. A little background on the area; it is low income, crime is above average when compared to other parts of town, and drug related activity is high. The sounds of gun shots, especially at night, are not uncommon. Also at nights, there are groups of people, specifically males, who stand on the corners selling drugs. The residents here are on two sides: one side is scared to talk to the police for fear of retaliation and the other has a dislike and/or distrust for the police.
For this discussion, using the “Google Earth” link, I want you to type in “800 S. Cameron Victoria, Texas.” The purpose of this is to give you a visual of a neighborhood that is affected by the poverty syndrome and Broken Windows. Drop the man icon into the intersection and, using the top arrow, work your way down the street until you reach 1206 S Cameron (work the opposite direction of the railroad tracks). Remember, imagine that you are a patrol officer as you do this. Scroll left and right and look at the houses as you make your way down the road.
When you reach 1104 S. Cameron, you will notice a cement cross alongside the curb. This is the location of a murder where a juvenile suspect killed another individual. Once you reach 1206 S. Cameron, enter the new address of “800 E. South Victoria, Texas. Use the same top arrow and work your way down the street until you get to the orange housing apartments. Make your way throught the circle drive in front of these apartments.
In your initial response, list any observations you have of the poverty syndrome and Broken Windows i.e. broke down cars in yards, weedy lots, broken windows, dilapidated homes, etc. Note how many homes within the first block had “No Trespassing” signs. What about the business on S. Cameron just prior to reaching the dead end? Did you notice what the signs say? After listing your observations, what recommendations do you have, as a police officer, to help the citizens improve their neighborhood? As a patrol officer, do you see this as a challenge for you when it comes to community oriented policing?
Discussion 2
We learned this week that women have been involved in terrorist groups throughout the history of modern terrorism, but their role has been ignored just as criminologists frequently overlook female crime. Many researchers and the general public have found it difficult to believe that women could become terrorists. Using the internet, your textbook, or other sources; research a specific terrorist group that utilizes females within its specific group. What is their role? Are they more or less dangerous? Do you agree or disagree that society fails to accept that women can become terrorists? Why or why not?
