Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

What do social disorganization theory characteristics include?

1. Strong community ties and support systems

2. High levels of education and employment

3. Ecological factors linked to elevated crime rates in communities

4. Consistent law enforcement presence

The correct answer is: Ecological factors linked to elevated crime rates in communities

The characteristics of social disorganization theory focus on how various ecological factors contribute to the instability of communities, which in turn can lead to increased crime rates. This theory posits that when a community experiences social disorganization — often driven by factors such as poverty, residential mobility, and racial heterogeneity — the social fabric that typically holds a community together becomes weakened. Consequently, this disruption leads to a lack of social control and cohesion among residents, creating an environment where criminal behavior is more likely to occur. In contrast, strong community ties and support systems indicate a healthy, interconnected community that typically resists crime. Similarly, high levels of education and employment reflect a stable environment that can foster growth, development, and lower crime rates. A consistent law enforcement presence might deter crime, but it does not directly relate to the underlying ecological and social factors that social disorganization theory emphasizes. Focusing on the ecological factors linked to elevated crime rates acknowledges the broader socio-economic conditions that contribute to criminal behavior, making this the correct response.