Which statement best reflects the relationship between resources and public support in crime control?

• A. Public support is irrelevant to crime control when resources are sufficient.
• B. Public support is optional for crime control, resources make the difference.
• C. With adequate resources, public support is essential for effective crime control.
• D. Resources alone guarantee crime control without public backing.

Answer: (C)

Resources expand what can be done in crime control, but public support provides the legitimacy, cooperation, and information flow that allow those capabilities to translate into real results. When funding and tools are adequate, the missing ingredient becomes the community’s backing: people trust the police, report crime, cooperate in investigations, and participate in programs. This support makes enforcement actions more effective, enhances deterrence, and helps sustain long-term crime reduction. Without public support, even well-funded efforts can falter due to mistrust, noncooperation, or civil-rights concerns, while support without resources won’t sustain enforcement. So the combination of adequate resources and strong public backing is what actually leads to effective crime control.