The Crime Control Model
The Crime Control model prioritises the protection of society and victims by focusing on suppressing and preventing crime. This approach emphasises catching and punishing offenders swiftly to deter future criminal activity.
Key features of the Crime Control model include:
- Giving police extensive freedom and authority
- Removing "red tape" that might slow investigations
- Prioritising swift action over procedural safeguards
- Accepting that some wrongful convictions may occur
Key Concept: The Crime Control model views some wrongful convictions as an acceptable price to pay for the greater protection of society. This connects to Functionalism in sociology, which views crime control as necessary for maintaining social order and protecting the collective good.
Case Study Examples:
- Colin Stagg - targeted because he fit a profile and police used covert human sources to attempt to get a confession
- Barry George - wrongfully convicted based on a single particle of gunshot residue because he fit the profile investigators were seeking
The Crime Control approach argues that even if a few innocent people are wrongfully convicted, this sacrifice is justified to maintain social order and security for the majority.


























