Criminological theories Free Essay Example, 1250 words

The young woman who is arrested for credit card fraud provides evidence for the choice theory as the woman takes her time to assess her situation and then come up with the ingenious idea of shoplifting from the card owner (Williams & McShane, 1998). This is further evidenced by the equipment she has for data collection. The equipment indicates readiness to commit crime, and the criminal further shows little remorse for the theft, as she pleads for the lower charge of shoplifting rather than terrorism. The classical theory also appears in the same scene since the young woman deems it advantageous to steal from the credit card owner. The episode further shows application of routine activity theory with DiNozzo and McGee talking about the youngster and the ease of acquiring credit card details to an extent of collecting their own details within the office. This theory intends to show how criminals work with regard to motivation, and how ease of access towards targets drives people towa rds crime. It also requires putting in place deterrent measures to prevent these according to the theory, which DiNozzo makes fun of saying it is better to have the old analogue card whose data cannot be stolen through close proximity, but by physical contact. We will write a custom essay sample on Criminological theories or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Gibbs then goes on to describe to Vance the situation the young woman is in by saying she will talk when she is ready. When saying this, the woman is already behind bars waiting questioning as to where she got the credit card information, and how she is related to the terrorists. The state of being behind bars indicates the application of the routine activity theory, where deterrent measures are put in place to prevent crimes from taking place. By considering the location and the lack of targets, a holding cell eliminates the possibility of criminal activities taking place. Another scene that offers the routine activity theory is that of solving the smugglers puzzle, where the investigators seek to find the three Palestinians assassins to prevent the death of Eli David. Although this crime gets Abby implying the rational choice theory, where the assassins shoot at the coast guards and kill the smugglers to ensure that they are not caught. This portrays the conscious choice to kill the smugglers and leave the burden of blame on them for shooting at the coastguard after the assassins take off in floating boxes. This theory befits the scene following the premeditated nature of the crimes they commit, and how they stand to benefit from getting away (Williams & McShane, 1988).