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The present study examines the applicability of routine activities theory to petty theft. Using an experimental field research design, the researchers tested the frequency with which apparently uncounted smaller currency was stolen during full-service car wash cycles. Experimental conditions were varied so that one condition suggested a more deviant driver. A considerable amount of money was removed in thirty percent of all car washes. The number of total thefts and amount of money stolen were higher in the experimental condition in which the driver appeared to be more deviant. Findings suggest that the mere appearance of the victim as more deviant triggers the perception of targets as more suitable, and provide support for social proximity as a suitability criterion.

Surveys were administered to assess policymaker perceptions on the effectiveness and consequences of, and their commitment to “tough” criminal legislation in California. In relation to this, policymaker reaction to California's 1982 DUI laws was assessed. Results suggest that the populations surveyed recognized that problems were created by “tough” laws, specifically jail crowding. Differences existed, however, between the various populations on the perceptions of the effectiveness of such law changes and their commitment to them. Policy implications drawn from this research are discussed.

We collected California data by county involving total criminal justice system budgets, law enforcement budgets, court budgets, and the total number of criminal justice system personnel for the years 1976 through 1986. Rates of change for each county variable were calculated and compared to determine: (1) which criminal justice agency benefited the most from increases in funding at the system level, and (2) which branch of the court system had the greatest rate of increase in productivity due to increases in operating budget. We found that law enforcement received the greatest share of increases in the criminal justice system budgets, and lower courts produced the greatest increases in productivity due to increase in budget. We concluded that the court system, and specially the superior court system represent a bureaucratized institution, and state legislature attempts to improve the functioning of the court system by allocating additional funds, most often produce little positive change in operations.