Public Order Crimes: Understanding Social Impact

Chapter 14: Public Order Crimes

Defining Public Order Crimes

Public order crime involves acts that interfere with the operations of society and the ability of people to function efficiently. It is behavior that has been labeled criminal because it is contrary to shared norms, social values, and customs.

Also known as victimless crime.

Paraphilia

Paraphilia is a condition characterized by abnormal sexual desires, typically involving extreme or dangerous activities. Types include:

1. Asphyxiophilia: Attempting partial asphyxia and oxygen deprivation to the brain to enhance sexual gratification.
2. Frotteurism: Rubbing against or touching a non-consenting person in a crowd, elevator, or public area.
3. Voyeurism: Obtaining sexual pleasure from spying on a stranger having sexual relations with another person.
4. Exhibitionism: Deriving sexual pleasure from exposing the genitals to surprise or shock a stranger.
5. Sadomasochism: Deriving pleasure from receiving pain or inflicting pain on another.

Pedophilia

Pedophilia involves sexual feelings directed toward children.

Prostitution

Prostitution is the practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment.

Types include:

1. Streetwalkers
2. Bar girls
3. Brothel prostitutes
4. Call girls/Cyberhooking
5. Escort services
6. Circuit travelers
7. Skeezers
8. Massage parlors

Child Prostitution

Child prostitution involves a child. It is a form of commercial sexual exploitation of children. The term normally refers to prostitution of a minor or a person under the legal age of maturity.

Today, prostitution is considered a misdemeanor punishable by a fine or a short jail sentence.

Pornography

Pornography is printed or visual material containing the explicit description or display of sexual organs or activity, intended to stimulate erotic rather than aesthetic or emotional feelings.

Child Pornography

Child pornography involves a minor.

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most potent and dangerous drug.

The Gateway Drug Theory

The gateway drug theory states that the use of less harmful drugs precedes, and can lead to, future use of more dangerous hard drugs or crime.

Drugs and Law

• The Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 required registration and payment of tax by all who imported, sold, or manufactured marijuana.
• The Narcotic Control Act of 1956 increased penalties for drug offenders.

Drug Control Strategies

1. Source control
2. Interdiction strategies
3. Law enforcement strategies
4. Punishment strategies
5. Community strategies
6. Education strategies
7. Drug-testing strategies
8. Drug treatment strategies
9. Employment programs