Introducing various forms of offending behaviour, this book outlines the behaviours involved and describes the psychological research regarding these behaviours, and introduces the law, policies and practices in place to prevent, treat or punish such behaviour.

Although crime is a hot topic in the media, the everyday reality of crime is often very different from its onscreen or tabloid portrayal. Most crime is neither violent nor morbid; most offenders are not psychopaths, and although prison generally does not work, there may well be other, less punitive but more constructive interventions that are actually quite effective. This book exposes some of the most prevalent myths about crime and criminal behaviour, and provides the reader with up-to-date knowledge on crime and offending behaviour.