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 thoughts on “Brilliant Demonstration of Deterrence Theory”

  1. 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? 🙂

  2. 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.

  3. 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.”

  4. 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.

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

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