Environment, Routine, and Situation: Toward a Pattern Theory of Crime

Review of expertise and its general implications for correctional psychology and criminology

“…A number of examples of cognitive and behavioral processes that would fit with this model have already been cited in the emerging literature (e.g. implicit planning (Ward & Hudson, 2000) and use of automatic scripts (Bourke et al, 2012) in sex offenders; speedy and superior knowledge of environmental cues (Brantingham & Brantingham, 2004;Clare, 2011;Nee & Taylor, 2000) and automatic scripts (Nee & Meenaghan, 2006;Wright & Decker, 1994) in burglars, and of course are in abundance in this special issue.…”

“…Over the last decade or so, a number of authors in the fields of forensic psychology, criminology and allied disciplines have alluded to (explicitly or otherwise) a distinct form of decision-making utilized by the offender at several points along this decision chain. More recently referred to explicitly as expertise in criminal decision-making (Bourke, Ward, & Rose, 2012;Garcia-Retamero & Dhami, 2009;Nee & Meenaghan, 2006;Topalli, 2005;Ward, 2000;Wright & Decker, 1994Wright, Logie, & Decker, 1995) numerous other authors have described these processes using related concepts such as bounded rationality and cognitive templates or scripts (Bennett & Brookman, 2010;Brantingham & Brantingham, 1993;Copes & Vieraitis, 2009;Leclerc & Wortley, 2014;Shover & Honaker, 1992;Cherbonneau & Copes, 2006;Opp, 1997;Cornish & Clarke, 1986;Wright & Decker, 1997). The aim of this special issue therefore is to draw together strands of an emerging field at this important time in its development.…”

Understanding expertise in burglars: From pre-conscious scanning to action and beyond

“…In their interview study and two experiments using maps and slides of residential areas (Nee & Taylor, 2000;, experienced burglars identified the environmental factors that influenced their decisions to offend. Three quarters of the Nee and Taylor samples fell into the 'searcher' category, making the initial decision to offend away from the eventual scene of the crime, for instrumental reasons (like Brantingham & Brantingham, 1993;Maguire & Bennett, 1982;Bennett & Wright, 1984;andlater, Cromwell, Olson &Avary, 1991 andHearndon &Magill, 2004) to maintain an often expensive lifestyle ('life as party' as Shover (1996) describes it). Only five out of the sample of 50 described relief from boredom, impulsivity and enjoyment as the central underpinning motivation for their crimes.…”

“…Theoretical development, however, has been disparate with scholars augmenting both environmental/rational choice perspectives (e.g. Brantingham & Brantingham, 2004;Cromwell, Olson & Avary, 1991) and more macro-oriented social control and deterrence models (e.g. Jacques, Wright & Allen, 2014;Wright & Decker, 1994).…”

“…By interviewing convicted burglars, Rengert and Wasilchick (1985) found a direct relationship in their sample between target choice and participants' journey to work. Additionally, a considerable body of work has been conducted by the Brantinghams in relation to a 'pattern theory of crime' (see Brantingham & Brantingham, 2004 for a good overview). Their work has been more focused on the spatial and temporal patterning of crime and how architectural considerations could affect it and could be criticized for not taking into account the offender's perspective.…”