ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors examine the relationship between their dynamic, multilevel, general theory of criminal opportunity and policies and practices. Many policymakers believe that harsh sentencing guidelines will prevent rational actors from risking such costs. The differences between deterrence and criminal- opportunity-related policy are evident when the authors examine extralegal forms of social control. Community policing and community corrections represent two examples of criminal justice policy that have repercussions for informal community control. Community policing is often viewed as founded upon the notion that community members rather than the police represent the first line of defense against crime. Advocates of community policing initiatives thus see community building as an integral part of policing. Community corrections were not necessarily premised on the notion of community-building. Physical environment affects crime indirectly by affecting how residents self-police and prevent crime within the community.
