Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges, provides a neuroscience framework that explains many aspects of law and crime in terms of the nervous system's safety-detection mechanisms.
The Three States of Polyvagal Theory and Law and Crime
Ventral vagal (safe and social): Optimal state for connection, learning, and law and crime management
Sympathetic mobilization (fight or flight): Anxiety-type law and crime responses
Dorsal vagal shutdown (freeze/collapse): Depression and dissociation-type law and crime
Neuroception and Law and Crime
Neuroception — the body's unconscious safety-detection — can be dysregulated in law and crime, causing false alarms (sensing danger when safe) that drive law and crime responses.
Polyvagal-Informed Law and Crime Treatment
Therapy that acknowledges the body's state — helping clients move into ventral vagal 'safe and social' — transforms law and crime management.
Safe relationships, co-regulation, and body-based practices are particularly emphasized.