What I've Learned So Far

1.  Since starting my Senior Project, something I've learned how to do better is looking for research.  Usually, I would search for specific keywords or terms and get discouraged when I couldn't find much.  Now, I've realized that these books or other resources I search for don't necessarily have to be titled "Criminology: 101" or anything obvious.  In other words, I've leaned to start with a broad, general search, and whittle the information down until I find what I'm looking for. 

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 3.  This book "Why They Kill:  The Discoveries of a Maverick Criminologist" by Richard Rhodes is one of the resources I've found using this research method.  When I went to the library, I asked for books on Criminology and Crime.  I was directed towards books like "Criminology for Dummies" and law encyclopedias.  This wasn't exactly what I was looking for.  I wanted theories in criminology, not "what is criminology".  Seeing how a broad search didnt work, I decided to search for bits and pieces of what I was looking for.  I looked for books on "theories of deviance", but that didn't help much.  Then, I started searching for "serial killers" and "crime psychology".  That was it!  I was able to find a book that wasn't exactly what I came in for, but helpfull nonetheless.

Independent Component 1 Plan Approval

1.  I think my Independent Component depends on how much the Walnut Sheriff's Department is willing to let me take on during my Service Learning.  If anything, I will probably do an extra 30 hours of Service Learning.

2.  When I talked to Sgt. Mark Saldecke for my first interview, he told me that volunteering at the department would consist of paperwork and assisting with other daily station activities, as well as patrol rides.  I will just have to sign up for extra hours. 

3.  My goal is to find out what the most common reason people commit crimes is.  Being surrounded by police officers and going on patrol rides, I hope to get somewhat of a hands-on experience with crime and ask many questions.

Defining the Essential Question

1.  EQ: What is the most common reason people commit crimes?

2.  most common: most frequent or occurring; on average; typical or usual
     crime: an act or violation of a law; illegal activity

3.  Possible Answers:  Cultural Transmission- environment influences criminal activity; Labeling- once labeled a criminal, always a criminal; genetics; past experiences; brain disorders; bad parenting.

4.  My most important source is an article entitled "Theories to Explain Deviant Behavior" by ExperimentGarden.  It gives four seperate and distinct thoeries on why people commit crime.  I could also back up all these eplanations with other credible sources.

Second Interview Questions

1.  How long have you been in this field?
2.  What did you have to study to become a sheriff?
3.  How did you know that this is what you wanted to do?
4.  What are the specifics of your job?
5.  How long did it take before you actually started the position you are in now?
6.  Who/where did you intern/volunteer with?
7.  Did you think about becoming anything else besides a sheriff?
8.  With your credentials, could you, if you wanted, go into a different but related career?