This paper will focus on the juvenile statistics gathered in 2008; the decrease in arrests, increase in narcotic offenses, simple assaults as well as the implications for juvenile females and minorities will be discussed and examined. Overall Decrease In comparison to the statistics gathered in the 90s, in 2008 there was an overall decrease in juvenile delinquent actions and arrests. Most likely in relation to the introduction of crack cocaine in the late 80s, throughout the 90s there was an extensive increase in violent offenses involving juvenile offenders; this is in relation to the increase in gang activity and extensive narcotic trade that took place. In 2008 16% of all violent crime arrests and 26% of all property crime arrests were committed by juveniles (Puzzanchera, 2009). “In 2008, law enforcement agencies in the United States made an estimated 2.11 million arrests of persons younger than age 18.
The Overall Decrease in Juvenile Arrests Overall Review Data from 2008 shows that juvenile arrests for violent crime declined between 2006 and 2008. According to Puzzanchera (2009) “In 2008 there were 2.11 million juvenile arrests, which is 16% lower than the arrests in 1999” (p.3). In 2008 juvenile arrests for forcible rape was at an all time low since 1980, aggravated assault arrests were also at its lowest since 1988. However, juvenile arrests for murder were at its low in 2004, but increased from 2005 to 2007. Further, the Property Crime Index decreased by 20%, larceny-theft by 17%, murder by 5%, motor vehicle theft by 50%, and burglary by 14% (Puzzanchera, 2008).
In 2001, U.S. law enforcement agencies made an estimated 2.3 million arrests of persons under the age of 18 (Snyder, 2003). In spite of the eruption in violence involving juveniles in schools throughout the U.S., juvenile crime has decreased. This paper shall address the overall decrease in juvenile crime, the increase in drug offenses and simple assaults and the implications for juvenile females and minorities. In addition, assess the tracking of juvenile arrests as a method of measuring the amount of and trends in juvenile justice. Decrease in Juvenile Crime In 2001, according to the FBI, juveniles accounted for 17% of all arrests and 15% of all violent crime arrests (Snyder, 2003).
In recent years, the average age for first arrest has dropped significantly, and younger boys and girls are committing these crimes. Between 60-80% of adolescents, and pre-adolescents engage in some form of juvenile offending [2].These can range from status offenses (such as underage smoking), to property crimes, to violent crimes. The percent of teens who offend is so high that it would seem to be a cause for worry. However, juvenile offending can be considered normative adolescent behaviour [3]. This is because most teens tend to offend by committing non-violent crimes, only once or a few times, and only during adolescence.
Juvenile Crime Statistics After a decade of growth, the incidence of violent crime in America suddenly began to drop in the mid-1990s. Criminologists propose various reasons for the sudden turnaround in violent crime. Explanations include a strong economy, changing demographics, changes in the market for illegal drugs and the use of firearms, expanded imprisonment, policing innovations, and a growing cultural intolerance for violent behavior. Regardless of which explanation one favors, it is clear that previous increases as well as recent decreases in violent crime were disproportionately generated by the nation’s youth. Criminal behavior has always been more prevalent among young people.
Since the 1990’s homicide rates have been in decline. Between 1991 and 2000 homicide rates dropped nearly 44% and have remained steady since. This decline in crime rate has been debated and analyzed since with everyone from politicians to police chiefs taking the credit. Policing and Crime Rate Community Policing is one of the programs many like to cite as having a direct effect on the crime rate. Theories about “Broken Windows” and reducing small crime reduces serious crime have been bandied about by Police Commissioners and Mayors.
Much of the argument over stop and frisk lies in numbers.” For instance, the NYPD says its policy has led to a falling murder rate and more gun seizures, with homicides down 21 percent this year and the number of illicit guns seized up 31 percent from last year”(Huffington post). If this tactic results in this much of a drop in homicides and an increase of thirty one percent in illicit guns seized, why not use it. This tactic obviously helps keep the streets a little safer. Most if not all cities that imply stop and frisk experience a dramatic drop in crime rate. “The reality is that crime has gone way down in New York City and that stop and frisk has certainly contributed to it.
Juvenile Delinquency in Secondary Schools Introduction Why is juvenile delinquency most prominent in the secondary school system? Why is it students participate in delinquent behaviours? Can juvenile delinquency lead to a state of depression or can it lead to suicide? Do you think it can also lead to life imprisonment? ‘Widely publicized school shootings during the late 1990’s and early years of the twenty-first century have raised public concerns about rising adolescent violence and created the perception that juvenile delinquency is increasing.’ Statistics shows that juvenile crime rates are actually declining.
A significant number of cases heard in juvenile court are status offenses (A Separate System for Juveniles).” Around seventy percent of juveniles that get arrested are referred to juvenile court. The type of discretion that an officer uses is determined by the severity of the crime in question. “The police role with juveniles is expanded because they handle many noncriminal matters referred to as status offenses, including running away, curfew violations, and truancy as well as non-delinquent juvenile matters such as neglect, abuse, and missing persons reports (Police and Juvenile Offenders).” Some urban police departments have special units to the regard specifically to juveniles. Juveniles tend to have less respect for authority; the immaturity of juveniles makes them more prone to the peer pressure of others. Many juveniles see officers on patrol as a challenge of avoiding capture, instead
The legal term juvenile delinquent was generated so that young offenders could steer clear of the humiliation of being labeled in officially authorized court documents as criminals. In the United States, all states have separate systems for dealing with juvenile and adult criminals. A juvenile delinquent is a minor that is usually under the age of 18, who have committed an offense in states which have confirmed by law that a minor does not encompass responsibility and therefore may not be punished as an adult. Though, the legislatures of a number of states have decreased the age of unlawful accountability for severe crimes or for persistent habitual offenders to as low