What is a key critique made by Kinsey, Lea, and Young about police effectiveness?

A key critique made by Kinsey, Lea, and Young regarding police effectiveness revolves around the concept of police clear-up rates being too low to act as a deterrent. This perspective highlights the fact that when clearance rates for crimes are not sufficiently high, the likelihood of offenders being caught and punished diminishes. Consequently, this reduction in the effectiveness of policing can weaken its role as a deterrent, leading to a perception among the public that criminal behavior may go unpunished, which can encourage further criminal activity.

The critique emphasizes a fundamental mismatch between the expectations of law enforcement and their actual impact on crime rates and public safety. This viewpoint illustrates the complexities of crime prevention and highlights the need to evaluate the effectiveness of police work beyond merely counting arrests or incidents reported, focusing more on outcomes and their implications for crime reduction.