urpose: The purpose of this assignment is to teach the SARA model of problem-solving by having you run through a simulation scenario.
Assignment Description:
This week's writing assignment asks you to respond to a prostitution scenario on the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing's website. (Click on SARA Exercise to access the POPCenter.org website.) First, you will be asked to scan reports and data to determine the extent and views of the prostitution problem on Scott Avenue. Is prostitution a problem? How big is the problem? How much of a priority is the problem?
Second, you will be asked to analyze the prostitution issue. How big is the problem? Who is it affecting? Is it contained to one area or is it spread out over several? How much community support do we have in solving the problem? All of these questions and many more will help guide you solutions.
Third, you will develop a response to the problem, based upon the analysis you conducted in stage two. Remember that a direct law enforcement response may not be the most effective and that a multi-faceted response is often more successful than a one-sided approach. The most common way to come up with a set of responses is to look at the problem using a tool based on a popular criminological theory called routine activity theory developed by Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson in 1979. The theory proposes that three factors must come together for a crime to be committed there must be: (1) a motivated offender - a person who is psychologically ready to commit a crime; (2) a suitable target - a victim allowing for the opportunity of crime; and (3) lack of capable guardians - a person or physical object that prevents the offender from active.
Lastly, you will be given the opportunity to assess your response and come up with alternatives, if needed. Without evaluating the response we will never know how effective your plan was. In real life the entire SARA process may take years, but is an integral part of any community policing effort.
After you complete the exercise on the POPCenter.org website. Answer the following questions:
What solutions did you implement to reduce the prostitution problems in Central City?
Why did you select those solutions?
How effective were your choices in reducing prostitution?
Parameters: This assignment does not require the use of any sources, but it does need to be in APA format. Answer the questions in 2-4 pages of double-spaced, 12 point font (Arial or Times New Roman) font.