Discussion post, 450 words min. Using these 3 articles Scott Jacques (2010). "The Necessary Conditions for Retaliation: Toward a Theory of Non-Violent and Violent Forms in Drug Markets," pp. 186-205. Bruce A. Jacobs (2012). "Carjacking and Copresence," pp. 471-488. Richard Wright, Scott Decker, Allison Redfern, and Dietrich Smith (1992). "A Snowballs Chance in Hell: Doing Fieldwork with Active Residential Burglars," pp. 148-161.

Based upon the all three of the readings for this week, do you believe that the challenges inherent in interviewing active offenders outweigh the rewards of potential insights or knowledge which may be gleaned into offender decision-making? In other words, is this type of research worth conducting? Take a position either way and point to various aspects of the articles to fully support your position. Also, to what extent, if any, should a fieldworker be willing to either participate in or have 'guilty knowledge' of various crimes? For example, would it be appropriate for a field researcher to participate in minor acts of vandalism (e.g. graffiti) to establish rapport with his or her subjects? Be sure to fully elaborate. Next, please reflect upon Scott Jacques' (2010) article, "The Necessary Conditions for Retaliation." Point to one aspect of his theory of non-violent and violent forms of drug markets that may lend itself to criticism by other scholars. Once you have done this, please provide a suggestion as to how this particular aspect of Jacques' theory can be approved upon. Note: Even if you agree with all of the propositions laid out by Jacques (2010), you must identify at least one potential weakness or area and discuss how it can be strengthened. Finally, please point to one aspect of Bruce Jacobs' (2012) that you found to be of interest. Be sure to explain how it furthers our understanding of violent street crimes. And, once you have answered all of the above questions, please pose an original thinking question to the class. You must also attempt to fully answer at least one question posed by a fellow classmate for one of your two required follow-up comments. When you respond to a question posed by one of your peers, please be sure to address this person by name, as it makes it much easier for the rest of the class to follow the online ‘conversation.’ Keep in mind that special consideration will be given to students who post comments early in the week, as well to students who post multiple substantive follow-up comments. Also, please keep in mind, students should try to refrain from posting all of their comments on the last day of the session or in one sitting, as this does not truly allow them to interact with their classmates in a meaningful way. If possible, try to do much more than the minimum requirement for this assignment. All comments must be posted by 11:59 P.M., Friday, September 7th. Late comments will not be accepted. Good luck!