Theories of Deterrence

Deterrence theory is a concept in criminology and security that suggests people are less likely to commit crimes if they perceive the potential consequences as severe and certain. There are two main types: **general deterrence**, which aims to discourage the public from committing crimes by illustrating punishments, and **specific deterrence**, which focuses on preventing an individual from re-offending after punishment. The core idea is that if the risks outweigh the rewards of criminal behavior, individuals will choose to abide by the law, thus reducing crime rates and enhancing societal safety.