Vincent F. Sacco

Despite its wide usage, the concept of the "crime wave" has rarely been given explicit and detailed attention by criminologists. It is important that we understand where they come from, how they develop and what their consequences are. When Crime Waves offers an in-depth exploration of a large number of social issues involved in the study of crime waves. Issues such as how and why crime rates change over time, why some types of crime and not others come in waves, and the role played by the mass media, politicians, and interest group leaders in the promotion of crime waves are discussed to help students develop analytical skills and apply them to real-world situations. Key Features: Critically examines the phenomenon of crime waves in an engaging fashion Provides multiple perspectives via historical and contemporary examples throughout the book Delves into the role played by politicians and the media in creating the perception that a crime wave has occured Presents themes of myth-making, cultural imagery, and social constructionismWhen Crime Waves is intended to be a supplementary text for undergraduate criminology and sociology courses including Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice, Crime & Media, Crime & Society, Crime & Punishment, Sociology of Crime, Sociology of Deviance, Social Problems, and Criminal Behavior. Vincent Sacco is a professor in the department of sociology at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. His research interests are in criminology and urban sociology, which relate to the study of criminology, as well as the study of public perceptions of and reactions to crime. In approaching criminology, his work emphasizes the study of "criminal events" and investigates why some people are more likely to be victimized by crime; when and where crimes occur; and what contributes to the views on crime held by the police, lawmakers, and members of the general public.

This is the most up-to-date and thought-provoking undergraduate text on the controversial topic of victimology available. It features a lively, engaging writing style. Designed for the American college and university market, this book is groundbreaking in its integrated approach to the study of society's crime victims and the forces that influence their victimization. This approach eases instruction by encouraging students to engage in critical thinking about victims--helping students understand how victimization relates to the social context in which victims live. Crime Victims in Context explores the following themes: * Ways in which the victim role is constructed in the media, in public discourse, and in political responses to crime. This sets the stage for rethinking the meaning of victimization.* Approaching victimization as a social event--the social exchanges, or transactions, between victim and offender.* An exploration of the aftermath of crime--examining the effects of crime on the victim, including the physical and socio-emotional costs of victimization.* Responses by the criminal justice system in the adjudication of offender guilt as well as victim support groups. Coverage includes both sides of such controversial issues as fear of crime, victim blaming, the "abuse excuse," white-collar victimization, and restorative justice. The discussion of culture and the discussion of victims and victimization as moral stratification are innovative features of this text. There is extensive treatment of victimization theories and a review of data-collection procedures used in collecting information about victimization. Numerous examples drawn from real life and recent research serve to illustrate points throughout the book. Internet references are also included.

Crime and Victimization of the Elderly provides a "state-of-the-art" review of the social scientific literature relating to the crime problems of older persons. Building upon a broad interdisciplinary base, the volume addresses a wide range of issues that will prove to be of interest and value to criminology and gerontology students and to practicing professionals. The book is divided into two major sections. The first focuses upon elderly offenders and the second is devoted to a discussion of elderly victims. All of the major topics normally covered in the criminology and victimology courses are given detailed consideration. These include: the nature and types of crimes committed by the elderly, theories of elderly crime, criminal justice reactions to the older offender, patterns of elderly victimization, explanations of elderly victimization patterns, fear of crime among older persons and the abuse of the elderly in domestic settings. The chapters provide a critical assessment of the formative as well as the most recent empirical research conducted in the United States, Canada and elsewhere. Each chapter includes lists of suggested readings and each major section includes an extensive list of bibliographic references. This book is an invaluable resource to criminologists, gerontologists and social service professionals as it raises questions and defines issues vital to an understanding of the elderly and their association with various aspects of crime.