In: Economics
Based on elasticity measures, which of the following is the best deterrent to crime? Select one: a. Increasing the probability of punishment by increasing the number of police b. Increasing low-income wages through increased education c. Increasing the severity of punishment by increasing the length of prison terms d. Increasing the use of public shaming punishments
a. Increasing the probability of punishment by increasing the number of police.
Explanation:
Based on elasticity measures,the best deterrent to crime is increasing the probability of punishment by increasing the number of police because it has been observed that increasing the number of police can be a very effective strategy to deter crime as it increases the perception of the criminals of getting caught thereby preventing criminal activities as criminals always fear of getting caught by the police and thus their probability of committing crimes decreases.This is perhaps the best deterrent to crime compared to others like increasing severity of punishment or increasing the length of prison terms and so on.