The problem analysis triangle, or the crime triangle, states that a predatory crime is most likely to occur when ‘a likely offender and a suitable target come together in a time and place, without a capable guardian present’ (COPS, p. 28). The target may be an inanimate object or it may be a person, and the same goes for the capable guardian; it may either be an inanimate object, such as a security camera, or a person, like a police officer or security guard (COPS, p. 28). This particular concept, stemming from a theory created by Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson, is so effective in analyzing crimes and criminal issues because it focuses on the root aspects stemming from all criminal issues and crimes (COPS, p. 28).
The problem analysis triangle allows for the understanding and development of crime prevention strategies because it breaks down all criminal activity into the simplest possible causations, allowing for the development of prevention strategies off of these most basic core components. By directing the attention to the three major components of all crimes and criminal activity, it works to ensure that all factors associated with the crime or issue are covered in the strategy that is formulated (COPS, p. 28).
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"Problem Analysis Triangle".
The triangle aids public officials in presenting crime prevention strategies to the public in the same manner; it breaks everything down to the simplest possible components, allowing for ease in explanation and ease in identification; it explains how and why crime occurs to individuals without the need for a complicated explanation, making it possible for individuals to understand the process and reasoning without needing an abundance of education (Center for Problem Oriented Policing, 2013). In essence, it breaks crime down to simple cause and effect situations.
- Center for Problem Oriented Policing. (2013). The problem analysis triangle. Retrieved from http://www.popcenter.org/about/?p=triangle
- Community Oriented Policing Services. (n.d.). Crime analysis for problem solvers in 60 small steps. Retrieved from http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/
