A dynamic model for crime control and policy evaluation

The paper is concerned with the development of a rigorous mathematical mode l describing the dynamics of criminal population subject to sentencing poli cies of any penal (legal) system. The model enables evaluation of the impac t of preventive measures used in the society and correctional measures used by the penitentiaries, A performance index reflecting the effectiveness of such measures and the cost to the society for providing the same is introd uced and the question of optimality discussed.