However, police and jails would be unnecessary if such attitudes always prevailed. Rationality implied that some individuals become criminals be- cause of the financial rewards from crime compared to legal work, taking account of the likelihood of apprehension and conviction, and the severity of punishment. The amount of crime is determined not only by the rationality and preferences of would-be criminals, but also by the economic and social environment created by public policies, including expenditures on police, punishments for different crimes, and opportunities for employment, schooling, and training programs. Clearly, the type of legal jobs available as well as law, order, and punishment are an integral part of the economic approach.
