Is Criminology a Policy Science

Authors

Robert F. Meier, University of California, Irvine
Gilbert Geis, University of California, Irvine

Abstract

The question posed in the title is discussed in view of selected evidence from the criminological literature. Criminology's status as a policy science, based largely on the ability of the discipline to present coherent, empirically-based recommendations for the reduction of crime, is evaluated. The review leads to disappointing conclusions with respect to the usefulness to policymakers of the present knowledge base in criminology.

Recommended Citation

Meier, Robert F. and Geis, Gilbert (1977) "Is Criminology a Policy Science," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 4: Iss. 8, Article 10.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1235
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol4/iss8/10