Terrorism: A Rational Choice Theory Of Terrorism

Rational choice is based on the belief criminals act in a rational way. Rational choice could be related to terrorism when you understand how terrorist acts, their beliefs, and their actions. Terrorism happens when there are suitable targets, motivated offenders, especially without strong ties to the community, such as those who are unemployed, and absence of guardians such as the police, which would be explained by rational choice theory (Anderton & Carter, 2005). Like other forms of violent crime terrorist attacks are usually carried out by young males (Silke, A. 2003). This is important fact to know for law enforcement to know who to target. A Rational choice view of terrorism has certain factors to consider such as timing, international

Group participation is a way that terrorist groups are able to complete certain difficult goals similar to gangs or other groups that are involved in deviant behavior together (Gottfredson and Hirschi, 1990). Attacks like 9-11 would not be possible without the groups working together. There are key elements that go along with group crime such as group mediation, and environmental conditions of potential targets (Gottfredson and Hirschi, 1990). Crime also happens when people do not have “belief” in the norms and values of society and also don 't respect authority (Hirschi & Stark, 1969). Terrorists are motivated by having different values of American society and see it as being immoral. They see our government as being corrupt and rationalize their actions because of this. It is important public policy makers know how to limit this extremist ideology and not make it worse by isolating Muslim

With Muslims in the police force they may be able to help familiarize the others in the department about the culture and reach out to the community by knowing the language and norms. Ibrahim Hooper, spokesperson for the Council on American-Islamic Relations approves of recruiting Muslims for the Police “The more Muslims who work in the NYPD the better,", "This is a way to break down the mistrust and create bridges in the community. Where an informant breaks down trust, a law enforcement officer builds it." (Long, 2015). This could reduce fear, myths and stereotypes such as Jersey City being named ‘Terror Town’ where the police raided many homes and business that were owned by Arabs. These raids found no terrorist activity (Sun et al, 2011). Labeling and stereotyping Muslims has gone along with people physically and verbally assaulting innocent Arabs (Sun et al, 2011). Negative treatment of Arabs can have dangerous consequences, even though Arabs have been shown to have higher confidence in police than the regular population (Shryock, & Lin,