Severity of punishment has no effect on crime rates, study reveals

Crime rates are unaffected by the severity of the punishments attached to offences, according to new research.

The study revealed that the severity of the punishment, even for offences which held the threat of long-term prison sentences or capital punishment did not reduce crime rates.

In fact, increasing police presence in the community – and therefore the chance of getting caught – was a far better deterrent.

The findings from the HEC Paris business school examined social, economic and demographic data from 100 counties across North Carolina to see whether the factors which drive individuals to commit violent crimes are different to those which encourage crimes against property.

These included social factors such as; integration, conflict, inequality, control, and economic triggers such as the likelihood of being caught and the severity of punishment.

Study author Professor Michel Lander said: “To know how to prevent crime, we really have to understand its drivers, as different crimes are prompted by different environmental causes.

“Property offences, for example, are highly linked to social factors such as poverty and the absence of guardians.

“This means that originating from a larger household may make a person less likely to commit property crimes, yet will have almost no influence over whether they may be involved in a violent crime.”

Mr Lander suggests police forces should be more aware of the diversity within their communities as his study revealed a strong correlation between heterogeneity and crime.

Furthermore, his findings suggest that the presence of local social services – vocational programmes, community support schemes and greater guardianship are vital in promoting societal inclusion and in reducing crime rates.

He added: “Where economists and social scientists often disagree about what drives criminal activity, I believe both perspectives must interact in order for us to maximise our understanding and response.

“If governments are serious about reducing crime, they will have to draw information from both of these approaches.”