| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立中正大學 === 犯罪防治研究所 === 106 === This research aims to explore the behaviors of repeated offenders of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI offenders) through the Neutralization Theory. The study makes an attempt to interpret how DUI offenders utilize the techniques of neutralization and compare the differences in their tendency to neutralize their behaviors and the techniques of neutralization they used in different situations, such as with/without victims and numbers of times arrested for DUI. Further study also analyzed the differences among DUI offenders in the tendency to neutralize their behaviors under different background variables, levels of knowledge in the laws, psychological attributes and types of dependency.
In recent years, incidents associated with drunk driving have been frequently reported and many of these perpetrators were repeated offenders. Although the government enforced the “three strike clause”, reinforced DUI patrol and surveillance and organized a series of DUI seminars, expecting to achieve effective prevention through policies, law enforcement and consultation, the effectiveness of these measures is still yet to be verified. In view of which, this research makes an attempt to explore the behaviors of DUI offenders, using the Neutralization Theory to analyze whether repeated offenders have the tendency to neutralize and rationalize their behaviors through the neutralization techniques. Results of this research will provide suggestions and recommendations to the competent authority for future policymaking on DUI prevention.
This research developed its studies from the five dimensions proposed by Sykes & Matza (1957) in the Neutralization Theory (denial of responsibility, denial of injury, denial of the victim, condemnation of the condemners and appeal to higher loyalties), the defense of necessity (Minor, 1981；Maruna & Copes, 2005) and the claim of normalcy (Coleman, 1985). Study subjects were sampled from the detained DUI offenders and those mandated to participate in DUI seminars through purposive sampling. A control group was also sampled from the general public.
The studies found significant differences between the DUI and control groups, and people who are older and have lower level of education show higher tendency to neutralize their behaviors. Further analysis found statistical significance in “agreeing with the laws” and “understanding of the laws”. DUI offenders who responded with higher level of agreement with the laws or understanding of the laws have lower tendency to neutralize their behaviors. Furthermore, DUI offenders who have 2 to 3 records have higher tendency to neutralize their behaviors than the first-time offenders. This result indicates that offenders who have committed the offense two or more times tend to “permit” themselves of such conducts through neutralization. Among the repeated offenders, those who have 4 or more records use “denial of injury” and “denial of the victim” techniques more often than offenders with 2 to 3 records. This indicates that repeated DUI offenders tend to defend themselves by saying, “There is no crime, since no one is hurt (denial of injury)” or “I didn’t mean to drive after drinking. I have no choice (denial of responsibility).”
Based on the results, our recommendation for future DUI prevention policy is to start relevant education from young. Once the correct concept is instilled in the cognitive development of all citizens, they will be able to judge their own conducts and carry out safe and law-binding behaviors. Our recommendations for correction of DUI behaviors include the following:
1. Design counseling courses to reinforce DUI offenders’ sense of legal conformity and understanding of the punishments for DUI offenses.
2. Plan in-depth counseling strategies for repeat DUI offenders, emphasizing their responsibilities and the safety concerns associated with drunk driving.
3. Increase the number of the mandated DUI prevention courses, highlighting the danger and responsibilities involved in DUI to achieve the change of perception and behavior.
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