Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

What type of crimes are commonly referred to as "victimless crimes"?

1. Property crimes

2. White-collar crimes

3. Vice crimes

4. Public order crimes

The correct answer is: Vice crimes

The term "victimless crimes" is often used to describe activities that are illegal but do not directly harm another person or property in a traditional sense. These typically include acts related to personal behavior that society has deemed unacceptable, such as drug use, prostitution, and gambling. Vice crimes are characterized by these consensual activities that might affect the participants' well-being but do not have an identifiable victim. For example, in the case of drug use, while there may be broader societal or health implications, the act itself occurs between consenting adults without a direct victim involved. This is why vice crimes are commonly classified as "victimless." In contrast, property crimes involve theft or damage to someone else's belongings and always have a clear victim. White-collar crimes inflict financial harm, often leading to significant losses for businesses or individuals, making them very much victim-centric. Public order crimes, while also often involving societal norms and laws, typically infringe upon public peace and safety, again suggesting a victim exists, whether it's a person or community.