rse of capitalism. Within this framework, blue collar crimes include all crimes committed against the system, while white collar crimes are committed as a part of the functioning of the system. Thus, in this context, embezzling from one's employer would be classified as a blue collar crime (whereas it is usually thought of as a white collar crime), while dumping toxic chemicals by a business corporation would be viewed as a white collar crime. Within this framework, crimes against capitalism (blue collar crimes) are seen by many people to be punished more harshly than are crimes committed in the course of capitalism. Even when white collar crime defined in this way is prosecuted, it is typically small business persons, as opposed to the officers of large commercial and industrial corporations, who are most often penalized.
For the purposes of this current research, a broader definition of white collar crime is accepted. Political crime, securities fraud, environmental pollution, and similar actions are included. So, too, however, are the crimes traditional characterized as white collar in nature, such as tax evasion, credit fraud, embezzlement, land swindles, consumer fraud, bribery, and antitrust violations.
Comparing the Treatment of White Collar and Blue Collar Offenders
In considering the differences in the ways white collar and blue collar suspected offenders and offenders are treated in England, four separate areas of activity are addressed. These areas of activity are (1) enforcement, (2) detention short of arrest, (3) bail, and (4) punishment. The ways in which law enforcement officers conduct each of these activities in the order listed, often determines whether the subsequent activities will occur. For this reason, each of these activities is addressed separately in this research.
The attitude of low enforcement officers toward enforcement has significant implications for the differences in the ways in...