National Open University Of Nigeria

Department of Criminology and Security Studies

Faculty of Social Sciences
University Village, Jabi, Abuja
Pen on Paper Examinations. July 2018_1

Course Code: CSS491

Course Title: Emergency, Riot and Disaster Control and Management
Credit Unit: 3
Time Allowed: 3 Hours

Instruction: Answer any four questions

1. (a). What do you understand by the term “disaster management”? 7.5 marks
Disaster management as the systematic process of using administrative decisions, organization,
operational skills and capacities to implement policies, strategies and coping capacities of the society
and communities to lessen the impacts of natural hazards and related environmental and technological
disasters.

(b). Using your knowledge of “organizational responses”, explain why it is difficult for
communities to respond to this kind of disaster as they would have done if it were a natural one.
10marks

2. (a). State the main tenet of Minimax Theory 10marks

The minimax theory, also referred to as game theory, is based on the principle that individuals try to
minimize their losses and maximize their benefits. According to this theory, people are more likely to
engage in risky behaviour if they feel that the rewards outweigh the costs.

(b). Using any particular incident discuss how the theory explains any particular prison riot
that you know.7.5 marks
Using the Minimax Theory, people are more likely to engage in risky behaviour if they feel that the
rewards outweigh the costs. The Minimax strategy is based on the principles of rational choice theory.
The basic idea of rational choice theory is that patterns of behaviour in society reflect the choices made
by individuals as they try to maximize their benefits and minimize their costs. In other words, people
make decisions about how they should act by comparing the costs and benefits of different courses of
action (Scott, 2000).

3. “Even more than the physical effects of disasters, the emotional effects cause long-lasting
suffering, disability, and loss of income”. (Adekoge, 2016). Explain your understanding of this
statement with respect to factors affecting vulnerability to adverse psychological effect in the
Boko Haram insurgency in North Eastern Nigeria. 17.5 marks
 The following are factors affecting vulnerability to adverse psychological effect in the
Boko Haram insurgency in North Eastern Nigeria,
i. “Stigmatization” of the victims of a disaster makes healing more difficult. One unfortunately
common situation in which this occurs is when part of the traumatizing experience has been
rape.
ii. Several specific kinds of disaster experience are especially traumatic. These include witnessing
the death of a loved one, losing an adolescent or young adult child, being entombed or trapped
or seriously injured as a result of the disaster.
iii. effects of disasters, some of the physical effects (e.g., head injuries, burns, crush injuries,
exposure to toxins, prolonged pain) can directly produce, through physiological processes,
adverse psychological effects such as difficulty concentrating, memory difficulties, depression,
and emotional instability.

4. Write short notes on any Four of the following terms:

a) Differentiate between “Psychic Numbing and Distorted Grief”.
Psychic numbing over-control and containment of emotions, little display of affect. While
Distorted Grief is the shows intense anger and hostility which dominate over their sadness and
guilt
b) “Inventory” Phase of disaster management
The “Inventory” Phase Continuing to provide services to relief workers remains a high priority during
this period. The first days or weeks following the disaster may be a “honeymoon” phase, in which
people’s feelings of relief and optimism about the future dominate.
c) Social Support
Social Support is the restoring or creating networks of social support is essential in dealing with the
extreme stresses created by disaster.
d) Suicide Potential
Suicide Potential both victims and abusers have been known to commit suicide when they perceived
no other appropriate solutions.
e) Therapeutic Listening
Therapeutic listening allows the hostage taker to express his or her concerns. The goal is to lead the
hostage taker to believe that they are being actively listened to, that the negotiator is concerned
about their well being and is committed to resolving the incident in a peaceful manner.
5. (a).What constitute the Nigerian street economy in the urban centers? 10marks
i. First, the combination of their dominant presence and marginalized social status invites the
question of just who represents youthful urbanites, both politically and within civil society.
ii. Second, urban development will be hamstrung if most urban youth are not central contributors
to it.
iii. Third, the presence of a vast youth population that remains largely disengaged from civil society
and economic development activities will almost inevitably have a negative impact on personal
and community security in urban Africa
(b). Discuss with vivid examples how this situation can be ameliorated. 7.5 marks

6. (a). What is social capital? 5.5 marks

social capital as a process of building trust in relationships, mutual understanding and shared actions
that bring together individuals, communities and institutions.
(b).Name and discuss three stages involved in Social capital that can be of help in disaster
management. 12 marks
Bonding within communities: The utilization of social capital starts with bonding within the community.
Social integration, social cohesion, solidarity, networking, two-way communication, sustained
interaction between and among the members, effective coordination of community activities,
collaboration on and support of members’ activities, the fostering of leadership qualities and giving a
hand to other community members are all useful attributes for this bonding.
2. Bridging between and among communities: The next level in social capital formation is that of
reaching out to other communities in he society. At this point, groups and interested citizens can form a
coalition to identify the needs and joint collaboration efforts required to meet them.
3. Linking communities through ties with financial and public institutions Researchers have revealed
that historic, longstanding relationships that are developed among different elements of communities,
the government and other organizations, including