Criminal Behavior And Criminogenic Needs

Criminal Behavior Criminal Behavior is often a difficult topic to discuss, as there are many different variables that must be taken into account in order to truly define and obtain a thorough understanding of the concept. What is criminal behavior? " a criminal act occurs when there is a motive, a means, and an opportunity. Criminal Behaviors that lead offenders to recidivate are often called "risk factors" or "criminogenic needs" (national institution of corrections and services.) One of the ways to attempt to understand criminal behavior is to gain comprehension and knowledge of criminogenic needs. These needs are traits associated with criminal thinking and behavior. It has also been dynamically defined as "crime producing factors that …show more content…
Anti-social values, criminal peers, anti-social personality, dysfunctional family, low self-control, and substance abuse. John Herger the writer of criminal behavior posted this May 20, 2015. Biological risk factors can be defined as “anything that impinges on the child from conception to birth” (Kaiser & Rasminsky, 2010). Many people would be surprised to hear that criminal behavior can be broken down and identified as early as conception. However, if we consider the fact that parents genetically pass on their prior behavior, we can try to begin to understand that parents who may have possessed criminogenic needs, could potentially pass on those traits that lead to criminal behavior. “Genes even help shape the environment. Genes influence how parents bring up their children; genes affect the responses that children evoke from their families and the others around them; and, as children grow older, genes sway their choice of companions and surroundings” (Kaiser & Rasminsky, 2010). Genes can define an individual’s ability to control temperament, impulsivity, low self-esteem, and a lack of