Criminology, Economics, and Public Policy

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Abstract
Economic and crime issues are closely related, just as the disciplines of economics and criminology bear close resemblance in their approaches to public policy. Criminologists have neglected the impact of economic conditions on crime, just as economists often overlook the social costs—including increased crime—of the policies they prescribe. Professionals in both fields subscribe to an overly simplified model of human affairs that has the effect of protecting society's reputation while casting blame for society's ills on the victims. At a time when Congress is facing critical decisions with respect to criminal justice policy, the participation of crimi nologists in the formation of these policies remains negligible. A commit ment by criminologists to policy research that examines the links between economic conditions and crime would constitute an enlightened approach to crime control.

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