Sanction risk perceptions, coherence, and deterrence ^*

Research from environmental criminology, policing, and related literatures consistently finds that objective conditions to risk of apprehension affect crime. The mechanism underlying this relationship is not explicitly tested; instead, perceptual deterrence assumed. In analysis we investigate mechanism. This test straightforward, however, as some research shows perceptions are susceptible various cognitive biases framing effects. Thus, advance a framework sanction perception combines individual contextual determinants. Specifically, whether factors materially influence in turn intentions offend after accounting for the individual-specific Our data come an experimental survey on speeding (N = 1,919). Respondents viewed videos driver's perspective sedan highway provided estimates risk, safety perceptions, behavioral intentions. Although varied widely across respondents, they remained grounded videos. turn, citizen were comparable with elicited state troopers viewing same results suggest considerations important contributing help shape transgress.