General deterrence seeks to influence which group?

General deterrence aims to prevent crime by influencing potential offenders who observe the consequences of criminal behavior. This theory posits that when individuals see others being punished for crimes, they are less likely to engage in similar behaviors themselves due to the fear of facing similar penalties. The focus is on making potential criminals weigh the risks and downsides of committing a crime based on the reactions of society and the legal system they observe.

On the other hand, addressing individuals with prior punishments relates more to specific deterrence, which seeks to prevent reoffending by those who have already been punished. Law enforcement agencies play a vital role in the criminal justice system, but they are not the target demographic for general deterrence, which concerns the broader public. Lastly, while communities with high crime rates may be affected by deterrence strategies, general deterrence specifically targets those who might commit crimes by capitalizing on the visibility of punishment to foster a general fear of repercussions.