containment | Definition

Doc's CJ Glossary by Adam J. McKee
Course: Criminology

Containment is a criminology strategy using social, legal, and institutional controls to prevent crime, balanced against civil liberties.


Containment, in the sphere of criminology, is a strategy for crime prevention and control that involves the use of social, legal, and institutional mechanisms to restrict or discourage criminal behavior. This approach is multifaceted, and different containment strategies are often utilized concurrently to manage and limit crime effectively.

The Role of Law Enforcement

Law enforcement plays a crucial role in containment strategies. Police patrols, for example, serve as a visible deterrent to potential criminals. The presence of police officers can discourage individuals from committing crimes out of fear of immediate apprehension. Similarly, surveillance technologies, such as CCTV cameras, can deter criminal activities by increasing the risk of detection and prosecution. The widespread use of such technologies can create an environment where potential criminals feel they are under constant observation, thereby reducing the likelihood of criminal behavior.

Criminal Justice Sanctions

Criminal justice sanctions like imprisonment, probation, and fines also play a significant role in containment. These punishments are designed to deter individuals from engaging in criminal behavior by making the consequences of such behavior too severe to risk. The threat of criminal justice sanctions can deter potential criminals who are rational and calculating, making decisions based on a cost-benefit analysis of their actions.

Social Programs

Containment is not limited to law enforcement and legal repercussions. Social programs aimed at addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and substance abuse, can also be considered a form of containment. These programs seek to reduce crime by improving the social conditions that often contribute to criminal behavior. This might include initiatives like after-school programs for at-risk youth, job training programs for unemployed adults, or drug treatment programs for individuals struggling with substance abuse.

Identification and Intervention

Containment strategies often involve the identification of high-risk individuals or groups and the implementation of interventions designed to prevent or deter criminal behavior. This could involve programs targeted at individuals who show signs of potential future criminal behavior, such as school truancy or aggressive behavior. Interventions might include counseling, mentoring, or educational support.

Balancing Public Safety and Civil Liberties

While containment strategies can be effective in reducing crime and enhancing public safety, they also raise significant concerns about civil liberties and the potential for discrimination. There’s a delicate balance that must be maintained between ensuring public safety and protecting individual rights. Over-policing or overly aggressive containment strategies can lead to violations of civil liberties, including the right to privacy and freedom of movement. Moreover, these strategies can sometimes disproportionately target marginalized or disadvantaged groups, exacerbating social inequalities and leading to distrust of law enforcement and criminal justice institutions.

In conclusion, containment in criminology involves a multi-pronged approach to crime control and prevention that includes law enforcement, legal sanctions, social programs, and targeted interventions. However, these strategies must be implemented with careful consideration of their potential impact on civil liberties and social equality. The goal of containment strategies is not only to reduce crime but also to create a safe and just society where everyone’s rights are respected and protected.


[ Glossary ]

Last Modified: 05/14/2023

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