RAT-TRAP

THE STUDY OF CRIME AND CRIMINALS

Umar Ahmed
STATEMENT OF
PURPOSE
For my Grade 12 assessment, I have chosen the topic "RATTRAP - The
Study of Crime and Criminals." This topic has always intrigued me,
as I am fascinated by how criminals are apprehended, the impact
they have on society, and the strategies employed to address this
significant issue.
Through conducting a survey, I aimed to gain insight into the
perspectives and sentiments of others regarding this common
issue, with the ultimate goal of collaboratively finding solutions.
This project will allow me to delve into the intricacies of crime
and criminal behaviour, seeking to answer the fundamental
questions of why and how.
I hope that this project will serve as a small contribution towards
creating a safer and more just world for all.

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INTRODUCTION
Criminology is the study of crime, criminals, and the
criminal justice system. It helps us understand why people
commit crimes and how we can prevent and deal with crime
in society. By studying criminology, we can learn about the
different factors that contribute to criminal behaviour, such
as poverty, substance abuse, and mental illness.

Criminologists use various methods, such as surveys,

interviews, and data analysis, to investigate crime trends
and patterns. They also work with law enforcement agencies
and policymakers to develop strategies for crime prevention
and criminal justice reform. Overall, criminology is an
important field of study that helps us create safer
communities and address the root causes of crime.

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CRIMINOLOG
Y
Criminology: Understanding Crime and Criminal Behavior

Criminology, the scientific study of crime and criminal

behaviour, seeks to comprehend the complexities of
human actions that violate societal norms and laws.
This interdisciplinary field combines sociology,
psychology, law, anthropology, and other disciplines to
examine the nature, extent, causes, and control of
crime. Criminology aims to provide insights into the
intricacies of criminal behaviour, its impact on

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individuals and society, and effective strategies for
prevention and intervention.

Theories of Crime

Criminologists have developed various theories to

explain the causes of crime. Classical Theory
posits that crime results from rational choices,
while Positivist Theory suggests biological,
psychological, or environmental factors contribute
to criminal behaviour. Strain Theory proposes
that societal pressure and inequality drive
individuals to engage in crime. Labelling Theory
argues that societal labelling and stigma lead to
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criminal careers. These theories provide a
foundation for understanding the motivations
behind criminal behaviour.

Types of Crime

Crime encompasses various forms, including

violent crime (assault, homicide), property crime
(theft, burglary), white-collar crime (corporate,
financial), organised crime (gangs, syndicates),
and cybercrime (digital offences). Each type
requires distinct approaches to prevention,
investigation, and prosecution.

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Impact of Crime

Crime has profound consequences on individuals,

communities, and society. Victims suffer physical
harm, emotional trauma, and financial loss.
Communities experience social disorder, erosion of
trust, and economic decline. Society bears the
economic burden of crime, estimated to cost
billions annually.

Corrective Measures

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Effective crime control strategies involve a
multifaceted approach:

1. Rehabilitation: Focuses on offender

reintegration and reformation.
2. Restorative Justice: Emphasises victim-
offender reconciliation and reparation.
3. Deterrence: Aims to prevent crime through
punishment.
4. Community-Based Programs: Address
underlying social issues.
5. Incapacitation: Removes offenders from society.

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Modern Applications

Criminology informs evidence-based practices:

1. Crime mapping and hot spot analysis

2. Predictive policing
3. Crime prevention programs
4. Rehabilitation programs
5. Public policy development

Challenges and Future Directions

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Criminology faces challenges:

1. Addressing systemic inequalities

2. Integrating technology (AI, surveillance)
3. Balancing punishment and rehabilitation
4. Exploring biosocial factors

To overcome these challenges, criminology must:

1. Foster interdisciplinary collaboration

2. Integrate cutting-edge research methods
3. Prioritise evidence-based practices

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4. Address social and economic determinants of
crime

Conclusion

Criminology plays a vital role in understanding

and addressing the complex issue of crime. By
examining the causes, consequences, and control
of crime, criminologists can inform effective
strategies for prevention and intervention. As
society continues to evolve, criminology must adapt

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to address emerging challenges and promote a
safer, more just world.

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 THE LIFE OF

Pablo Escobar
Pablo Escobar, often referred to as the "King of
Cocaine," was one of the most notorious and
influential drug lords in history. From humble
beginnings in Colombia, Escobar rose to power as
the leader of the infamous Medellín Cartel,
dominating the global cocaine trade in the 1980s.
His criminal empire was characterised by extreme
violence, extensive corruption, and immense wealth.
This article delves into the life and legacy of Pablo
Escobar, exploring his early years, criminal
activities, eventual downfall, and lasting impact on
Colombia's history and society.

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 Early Life and
Rise to
Power
Childhood in Colombia
Pablo Escobar, born on December 1, 1949, in Rionegro,
Colombia, had a humble beginning. He grew up in
Medellín in a lower-middle-class family, showing early
signs of his future as a notorious figure.

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Entry into the Criminal
World
Escobar started his criminal career by engaging in
small-time criminal activities such as stealing
tombstones and selling fake lottery tickets. He quickly
realized the potential of the drug trade and delved into
it, eventually rising to become one of the world's most
infamous drug lords.

The Medellín Cartel

The Medellín Cartel, founded and led by Escobar,
became a powerhouse in the global cocaine trade
during the 1980s. Escobar and his associates
controlled a significant portion of the drug
smuggling market, amassing immense wealth and
power.

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Criminal Activities
and Notoriety

Drug Trafficking
Operations
Escobar's cartel became a major player in the global
drug trade, smuggling vast quantities of cocaine
into the United States and Europe. His operations
were marked by innovation and ruthlessness.

Violent Strategies and

Influence

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To protect his empire and maintain control, Escobar
resorted to extreme violence. His tactics included
bribery, intimidation, and targeted assassinations,
instilling fear in rivals and authorities alike.

Escobar's
Downfall
and Legacy

Escalating Violence and

International Attention

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As Escobar's power grew, so did the violence associated
with his activities. High-profile assassinations and
bombings attracted international scrutiny, shining a
spotlight on his brutal reign.

Pursuit by Authorities
Facing mounting pressure from law enforcement agencies,
Escobar went on the run. A massive manhunt led by
Colombian and US authorities eventually culminated in his
death in 1993. Despite his demise, Escobar's legacy as one of
history's most notorious criminals endures.

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 Influence on
Colombian Society
Pablo Escobar was like the Colombian boogeyman,
but instead of hiding in the closet, he was running
the country. His reign of terror as a drug lord not
only left a trail of violence and corruption but also
had a lasting impact on Colombian society. From
rampant drug addiction to a culture of fear and
distrust in law enforcement, Escobar's shadow
loomed large over the country for years.

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Escobar's Family
and Personal Life
Behind every notorious drug lord is a family, and
Pablo Escobar's was no exception. Despite his
ruthless reputation, Escobar was known to be a
devoted family man. He had a wife, Maria Victoria,
and two children, Juan Pablo and Manuela.
Escobar's lavish lifestyle and extravagant gifts to
his family were well-documented, showing a softer
side to the man who instilled fear in so many.

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Escobar's Pursuit
and Downfall

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Escobar's pursuit was like a real-life game of cat and
mouse, with the Colombian government and U.S.
authorities hot on his trail. Despite his immense
power and wealth, Escobar's hubris eventually led to
his downfall. After years of evading capture, he was
finally shot and killed by authorities in 1993, putting
an end to one of the most infamous criminal careers
in history. His death marked the end of an era, but
his legacy continues to haunt Colombia to this day.In
conclusion, Pablo Escobar's life serves as a stark
reminder of the destructive consequences of unchecked
power and criminality. Despite his death, his legacy
continues to shape perceptions of crime, law
enforcement, and the impact of drug trafficking on
society. Escobar's story remains a cautionary tale,
illustrating the lasting repercussions of a life lived on
the wrong side of the law.

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Survey
Report

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REFERENCES
CRIMINOLOGY
1. Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory.
2. Burgess, R. L., & Akers, R. L. (1966). A Differential Association-
Reinforcement Theory of Criminal Behavior.
3. Widom, C. S. (1989). Child Abuse, Neglect, and Adult Behavior.
4. Lundman, R. J. (1993). Prevention and Control of Juvenile
Delinquency.

PABLO ESCOBAR
1. Braithwaite, J. (1989). Crime, Shame, and Reintegration.
2. Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory.
3. Hare, R. D. (1991). Manual for the Revised Psychopathy Checklist.
4. Cornish, D. B., & Clarke, R. V. (1986). The Reasoning Criminal.

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5. Morselli, C. (2009). Inside Criminal Networks.

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