Brilliant Demonstration of Deterrence Theory

A store has demonstrated a concept that I try to teach in class.

A rational actor in deciding whether to commit a crime will consider the rate of detection and the size of the penalty. As detection falls, penalties can be increased to preserve an ideal level of deterrence. This sign threatens a high potential penalty for careless parents. As the father of four, I can say that it should do the job.

10 Responses to “Brilliant Demonstration of Deterrence Theory”


  1. 1 deeply worried 1, April 14, 2008 at 3:02 pm

    Add a gift certificate to Chuck-e-Cheese, and you have terrifying levels of deterrence!

  2. 2 Jill 1, April 14, 2008 at 5:05 pm

    D.W. You just crossed the line into “cruel and unusual”!!!

    Jill

  3. 3 deeply worried 1, April 14, 2008 at 5:12 pm

    Jill,

    I still remember my last visit with a shudder! I don’t know what was worse, the cacophony of a zillion hyper-excited munchkins or the curiously ominous Chuck-EE himself.

  4. 4 Fido 1, April 14, 2008 at 5:58 pm

    The free puppy is the nuclear option.

  5. 5 Rover 1, April 14, 2008 at 7:34 pm

    Fido:

    “On the internet no one knows your a dog.”

  6. 6 jonathanturley 1, April 15, 2008 at 1:04 pm

    Sure they do, Rover, they look to see if you like Kib[le]bytes, whether you respond to “SSI commands,” whether you like to play “cache”, and whether you “download” for any “cookie.”

  7. 7 deeply worried 1, April 15, 2008 at 1:06 pm

    Rowf!

  8. 8 SadButTrue 1, April 15, 2008 at 1:11 pm

    I’ve always said that if you really detest someone you should give their four year old a harmonica. The espresso is a stroke of genius.

  9. 9 Susan 1, April 15, 2008 at 1:25 pm

    SadButTrue, I don’t know of any four-year-olds who would willingly drink expresso, not after the first sip, anyway. Maybe sugar cookies and coca-cola would go down better? :-)


  1. 1 Parents, Watch Your Children While You Are Shopping Or Else : BigMouthFrog Trackback on 1, April 14, 2008 at 3:18 pm

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