Samantha Marie Walkden

Public and societal opinions and attitudes towards crime and criminal behaviour have been, and continue to be, heavily influenced by the media representations of such behaviour. The reporting on, and depictions of offending behaviour, criminal justice processes and treatment of those who offend can influence perceptions of offending behaviour and impact public attitudes towards crime and punishment. This chapter explores the intersection between media and crime, with specific interest into how it impacts the public.
Firstly, we will define crime and the appearance, use, and prevalence of it in the media, with recognition of affecting cultural norms, journalistic choices, and socioeconomic pressure. Television, newspapers, films, and social media present discourse of crime from unique angles, in their own individual ways. From the early Penny Press to contemporary digital mediums, crime reporting has evolved in line with technological advancements and public consumption demands, changing the narratives to suit. Theoretical frameworks, such as Cultivation Theory and Moral Panics, reveal the impact and outcomes of heightened fear of crime and preference for punitive measures. The prioritisation of certain narratives is outlined in theories of Agenda-Setting and Framing, influencing justice policies and public opinion on judicial staff.
This chapter addresses fictional and real portrayals of crime, with the perpetuation of stereotypes to amplify or distort particular cases with widespread societal emotive reactions. Social media and viral crimes stories have created new patterns of reporting, encouraging awareness, and in some cases, copycat behaviours. We conclude with an exploration of future trends with a look towards broader policy implications of the media’s influence on offending behaviours, criminal justice, and the public.

Purpose
Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia, frequently experience public stigma, which can be further enhanced if the individual has an offending history. This study aims to examine how perceiver attributes, including empathy and endorsement of right-wing views, can impact perceptions and attitudes towards individuals with schizophrenia who offend.

Design/methodology/approach
The study used an online survey method, recruiting an international public sample (N = 396), with an age range of 18–71 years (M = 33.15, SD = 11.42). Participants’ level of contact with mental illness, empathy and right-wing views were measured and considered in relation to their impact on reported stigma.

Findings
Results highlighted that a greater level of contact with individuals with schizophrenia, and increased levels of empathy, were strong predictors of decreased levels of stigma towards individuals with schizophrenia who offend. Whereas stronger endorsement of right-wing attitudes were associated with increased stigma towards this population.

Originality/value
This research offers a unique contribution by considering a variety of perceiver attributes that contribute towards stigma directed at this population. The theoretical and practical implications of this research are considered, thus contributing to the limited literature on perceptions of individuals with schizophrenia who offend. The discussion highlights limitations and makes suggestions for future research.