Behaviorism: part of the problem or part of the solution.
(25/29)
The form frequently taken by behavior-modification programs is analyzed in terms of the parent science, Behaviorism. Whereas Behaviorism assumes that behavior is the result of contingencies, and that lasting behavior change involves changing the contingencies that give rise to and support the behavior, most behavior-modification programs merely arrange special contingencies in a special environment to eliminate the "problem" behavior. Even when the problem behavior is as widespread as alcoholism and crime, behavior modifiers focus on "fixing" the alcoholic and the criminal, not on changing the societal contingencies that prevail outside the therapeutic environment and continue to produce alcoholics and criminals. The contingencies that shape this method of dealing with behavioral problems are also analyzed, and this analysis leads to a criticism of the current social structure as a behavior control system. Although applied behaviorists have frequently focused on fixing individuals, the science of Behaviorism provides the means to analyze the structures, the system, and the forms of societal control that produce the "problems". (+info)
Prison became second home for psychiatrist (George Scott).
(26/29)
Retired prison psychiatrist George Scott recalls his career working in Canada's penal system, including his peacemaking role in a hostage-taking incident and his work with Steven Truscott. Life "inside" is dangerous for guards, inmates, staff and psychiatrists, he says, but he never regretted his decision to devote his career to studying criminal behaviour. (+info)
Alcohol and criminal behaviour.
(27/29)
Substance abuse is a factor in some but not all incidents of crime: more than half of murders are committed when the killer is intoxicated. Males are more likely than females to be violent when consuming alcohol, and a past history of violence is predictive of future crime. The risk of violent behaviour is greater in subjects with dual diagnosis (e.g. alcohol dependence and psychiatric disorders). Offenders with an intellectual disability are overrepresented in prison and court populations, and more than 50% of them have a problem with alcohol. Since these subjects, in addition to intellectual disability and alcohol use, have psychiatric and behavioural problems, early recognition, in an effort to prevent future crimes, is an appropriate goal. Specific programmes have to address their particular needs. (+info)
The good practice of the police: an alternative approach in dealing with offenders who abuse/misuse alcohol.
(28/29)
The office of constable is taken by declaration and specifically says '... prevent all offences against the persons and properties ...'. The police service, like many hospitals and particularly casualty units, comes into initial contact with a high proportion of society's problems, including those related to people who cannot handle alcohol. This results directly or indirectly in a significant number of issues affecting social life detrimentally and at a tremendous cost to the public purse. These points at some time or another have been adequately illustrated by articles or television documentaries. The police service has a duty to prevent crime. The author maintains that, through the collaboration of the criminal justice agencies and health services, and using a simple approach, behaviour could be altered significantly enough to contribute towards a reduction in repeat offending and a consequent decline in the use of public funds. The author believes that a great number of people, too large to even contemplate quantifying, would have a better quality of life, a goal sought by many, and that the police service is well placed to participate constructively in the rehabilitation of offenders who have a 'drink' problem. (+info)
Alcohol-related crime: the good practice of the Magistrates' courts.
(29/29)
Alcohol-related crime is an ongoing problem in the court system of England and Wales. The Magistrates' Association believes that the system could be improved by: (1) the introduction of a new Licensing Act; (2) better control over licensed premises; (3) increased training for licensees; (4) more informative training for magistrates on the availability and role of alcohol programmes; (5) improved enforcement of licensing laws by the police. (+info)