How might the introduction of mobile phone cameras change behaviour? Specifically, what variables in the economic model of crime change, and how does that impact a driver’s decision to use their phone?

The introduction of mobile phone cameras can change behavior in several ways, particularly in the context of driving and the economic model of crime.

1. Deterrence: The presence of mobile phone cameras can act as a deterrent to using the phone while driving. This is because the risk of being caught and penalized increases. In the economic model of crime, this would increase the expected cost of committing the crime (i.e., using the phone while driving), which could deter individuals from doing so.

2. Evidence: Mobile phone cameras can provide evidence of illegal behavior, such as using the phone while driving. This could increase the probability of conviction, another variable in the economic model of crime. If the probability of conviction increases, the expected cost of the crime also increases, which could deter individuals from using their phone while driving.

3. Social Norms: The widespread use of mobile phone cameras could also change social norms around phone use while driving. If images or videos of people using their phones while driving are widely shared and criticized, this could create a social stigma around this behavior. This could increase the non-monetary costs of the crime in the economic model, such as the cost of social disapproval, which could further deter individuals from using their phone while driving.

4. Risk Perception: The visibility of mobile phone use through cameras can increase drivers' perception of the risk associated with this behavior. This could make the potential punishment more salient, increasing the perceived expected cost of the crime and deterring phone use while driving.

In conclusion, the introduction of mobile phone cameras can change several variables in the economic model of crime, including the expected cost of the crime, the probability of conviction, and the non-monetary costs. These changes can deter drivers from using their phone, thereby reducing the incidence of this behavior.