Between 1990 and 2017, there was a significant decline in the rates of most major crimes. Which of the following factors do many criminologists and other social scientists consider to be a significant factor contributing to this decline?
a. The reallocation of federal and state government funding from programs designed to control crime to human services and educational programs designed to prevent crime.
b. A return to more traditional methods of policing.
c. A reduction in the severity and scope of punishments for both violent and property crimes.
d. Economic and demographic changes beyond the control of criminal justice policymakers.