Which characteristic defines the crime control model of criminal justice?

The crime control model of criminal justice is primarily defined by its concern for efficiency and the protection of society. This model prioritizes the swift apprehension, prosecution, and conviction of offenders, emphasizing the need to maintain public order and reduce crime rates. It operates under the belief that a well-functioning criminal justice system should focus on preventing crime and ensuring that those who violate laws are quickly processed through the system.

This model often justifies measures that may seem to infringe upon individual rights, as its primary aim is the overall safety of the community. In contrast, the other characteristics mentioned tend to focus more on individual rights, social reform, or rehabilitation, which align more closely with alternative models of justice, such as the due process model, which emphasizes the rights of the accused and the importance of legal protections. Therefore, the defining characteristic of the crime control model is its unwavering commitment to the efficiency of the justice process and its overarching goal of safeguarding society as a whole.