"WHEN CRIME AND POLITICS COLLIDE"

"WHEN CRIME AND POLITICS COLLIDE"

_______________________________________________________ 

    Crime is often viewed as a social or moral issue. Expectations

range from individual characteristics such as lack of impulse

control, a poor upbringing, too societal factors. Such as

marginalized groups and inequality. Often, one overlooked aspect

of crime is its connections to politics.

_____________________________________

CRIME AS A POLITICAL PHENOMENON

    Crime can be seen as a political phenomenon influenced

by politics and power structures; with the potential to shape,

and be shaped, by political events. The influence of politics

of crime can be seen at all levels: locally, and nationally. Even

on the local level, politics can shape the way Law Enforcement

operates and how crime itself is reported.

    In some cases, political corruption can lead to a breakdown

in law enforcement and increased criminal activity. Also,

policies such as mandatory minimum sentences and three strikes

laws have been shown to disproportionally affect marginalized

communities and can contribute to incarceration.  At a national

level, politics too, have a significant effect on crime rates.

_________________________________________

THE POLITICAL EXAMPLE: "THE WAR ON DRUGS"

    One example is the "war on drugs." This policy which was

heavily influenced by political motivations. While the stated

goal of the war on drugs was to reduce drug use, drug related

crime; many argue it lead to an increase on both. And these

very policies are infamous to disproportionately affect persons

of color.

    Politics can also shape the way that crimes are perceived

and addressed by society. Terrorism is treated as a political

issue rather than a criminal one. This can lead to a focus on

preventing/responding to terrorism through military or

diplomatic means rather than traditional Law Enforcement

channels.

   Similarly, hate crimes and other forms of politically

motivated violence are viewed through a different lens.

The relationship between politics and crime is not one-way.

Crime can also have a significant impact on politics. 

Particularly, in situations where crime is perceived to be

a threat to political stability.