Merriam-Webster dictionary defines crime as an illegal act for which the government can punish someone, a grave offense, especially against morality, and something reprehensible, foolish, or disgraceful.
There are three sides to crime or criminal behavior, just at there are three sides to every story.
You heard the saying that there is side a vs. side b, and somewhere in between is the truth.
It's the same for crime and criminal behavior.
There's the criminals, the victims, and the business side of crime. All of these sides work in conjunction with each other. They all need each other to make the criminal enterprise work in society.
I spent time interviewing people in Fresno to get the background to write this post. Criminals, police officers, other law enforcement individuals, support staff, and business people on both sides of criminal activity. They all agree on one thing. Crime is a money-making and losing proposition.
While it hurts many people, it also supports others. While it physically can hurt families, friends, and others, it keeps people employed and making money.
Here's some insight into the money machine called crime.
Criminals
The perpetrators, as they are called, are usually committing a criminal act for various reasons. Money is the number one reason; whether it's money for drugs, family, or pleasure, money is truly the root of all evil.
There, there are the perpetrators who commit criminal acts for the thrill of breaking the law. There is no financial thinking going into the action. If there is a financial gain, all the better, but that's not why they commit the act.
Some criminals commit one crime in their lifetime. If they are caught, so be it; if not, they never commit a crime again. But, of course, the other side is made up of career criminals who continually commit crimes.
It's a crazy and insane life for anyone in this life.
The Law
On the other side, side b, if you will, is law enforcement. Whether it's local or federal, there has to be a b side to handle the crime and criminal activity in our country.
These men and women are sworn to uphold the laws of the land and prosecute any individual who commits a crime against the people and or the land of this country.
It doesn't matter why you committed the crime or how many times you've committed a crime; you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The Business of Crime
Here's where the rubber meets the road. As usual, business has found its way into crime and criminal behavior.
At the basic level, crime and all criminal activity help support our law enforcement. Because of corruption, we need police, we need judges, and we need prosecutors for a start. There are many levels of law enforcement, from routine police officers to swat officers to animal control officers and domestic dispute officers.
Each of these groups plays a vital role in crime and the business of crime.
Due to criminal behavior, police and other agencies are awarded grants from state and local governments to fight crime. These grants help law enforcement not only fight crime but hir the individuals needed to support their work. More police officers, domestic abuse officers and counselors, animal control officers, and all the necessary support staff to help fight crime.
Privatization
Then there is a newest of business involvement in crime with for-profit private jails. Over the last decade, private prisons have become the new way to house criminals either awaiting trial or after being convicted when there is a housing shortage in a state. Private jails have become popular of late, with immigration offenders held while awaiting deportation or a hearing for deportation. As a result, private prisons are a significant part of the new business of crime and a money-making operation for the owners.
Insurance
We can't forget the insurance companies that make money off of crime. Think about the business owners who have been affected by criminal activity, whether robber, embezzled from, or something else, who then file a claim for reimbursement.
Insurance premiums go up with incident, and in the case of businesses in crime-ridden areas, those rates go up whether they've been affected or not.
The money wheel keeps turning and turning. First, money goes out to the criminals and then comes back to insurance companies, law enforcement, and other agencies to fight crime.
Without crime, there would no need for police officers, judges, and prosecutors. We wouldn't need probation or parole officers, and we would never need jails. Imagine what that would be like.
So do we need crime? If you follow the numbers from all sides, it is a definite yes. As awful as it is to state that, it's true.