Mathematical Problems in Engineering 
Volume 4 (1999), Issue 6, Pages 489-504
doi:10.1155/S1024123X98000933

A dynamic model for crime control and policy evaluation

N. U. Ahmed and M. A. Rahim

 Department of Electrical Engineering and Department of Mathematics, University of Ottawa, 161 rue Louis-Pastuer, P.O. Box 450 Succ A, Ottawa K1N6N5, Ontario, Canada
Received 5 June 1998; Revised 10 August 1998

Abstract

The paper is concerned with the development of a rigorous mathematical model describing the dynamics of criminal population subject to sentencing policies of any penal (legal) system. The model enables evaluation of the impact of preventive measures used in the society and correctional measures used by the penitentiaries. A performance index reflecting the effectiveness of such measures and the cost to the society for providing the same is introduced and the question of optimality discussed.