What are event decisions in criminal behavior?

Event decisions in criminal behavior refer specifically to the choices made by offenders concerning how to execute an offense. This includes the tactics and methods they decide to use at the moment of committing the crime. Such decisions can significantly influence the success or failure of the criminal act and are critical aspects of situational crime theory, which examines how immediate circumstances impact criminal behavior.

Understanding that event decisions involve tactical considerations helps clarify the complexity behind criminal actions. Offenders often plan details like the tools they will use, the timing of the crime, and how they will handle any obstacles encountered during the commission. This facet of criminal decision-making emphasizes that even in spontaneous crimes, there exists a structured thought process guiding those decisions at the moment of the event.