Personal Application of Criminology Paper

Personal Application of Criminology Paper

Throughout this essay, I will apply my personal application of criminology as a parent of a 16 year old boy whose friend has broken into our house. I came home and find the door ajar with my son's friend looking in the kitchen drawer, He says he's is trying to leave a note to my son, but I discover a lock pick and some of my jewelry on the counter next to him. The boy also smells of marijuana and I told the boy to leave and immediately and he does. DO I call the police, call the boy's parents, do I tell my son, or do something else? Depending on which actions I choose, the outcome could be substantially different. I will discuss each option individually and determine the appropriate action; I will take to make sure my son's friend does not commit any further criminal activity in my home or property.

Do I Call the Police?

I believe if I actually call the police, will the boy learn his lesson or will it result in more future criminal activity. There are many possible penalties for juvenile theft, for example, Petty theft is a misdemeanor and usually carries a maximum penalty of 6 months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1000, Petty theft with prior convictions can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony. In the juvenile system that is up to the judge to determine, a felony carries a maximum penalty of 3 years in state prison, even a misdemeanor charge at this level can receive a sentence of up to 1 year in county jail. Grand theft can be considered either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the determination of the judge. Burglary can be either commercial or residential. Commercial burglary can be considered either a misdemeanor or a felony. However, residential burglary is always a felony.

But I believe calling the police is not always the best option, because not only does it give the boy a criminal record, it may introduce the boy to older boys who may teach him more ways to do crimes. According to (Eadie & Morley, 2003), one suggestion is that an idea of masculinity makes young men more likely to offend. Being tough and reckless may be a way for young men more likely to engage antisocial and criminal behavior. Alternatively, rather then young men acting as they do. Because of societal pressure to conform to masculine ideals, young men may actually be naturally more aggressive and daring. As well as biological or