Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What are the three points of the crime triangle?

1. Means, Method, Motive

2. Desire, Ability, Opportunity

3. Victim, Offender, Witness

4. Circumstance, Method, Motive

The correct answer is: Desire, Ability, Opportunity

The correct answer is based on the foundational concept of the crime triangle, which identifies the three essential components required to facilitate a crime: Desire, Ability, and Opportunity. Desire refers to the offender's want or need to commit the crime. This could arise from various motivations, such as financial gain, revenge, or even peer influence. It embodies the psychological or emotional aspect that drives the individual toward criminal behavior. Ability denotes the offender's capability to carry out the crime. This includes having the necessary physical means, skills, or resources, as well as the knowledge of how to execute the criminal act successfully. Without the ability, the desire alone cannot result in a crime being committed. Opportunity encompasses the circumstances surrounding the crime that allow it to be carried out. This can involve factors such as the presence of an unguarded target, a lack of law enforcement in the area, or certain environmental conditions that make it easier to commit the crime undetected. Understanding these three components is crucial for law enforcement and crime prevention strategies, as addressing any one of them can potentially prevent a crime from occurring. For instance, reducing opportunities through environmental design or increasing surveillance can significantly deter criminal activity. The other options do not accurately represent the crime triangle concept. They mention components