Crime Rate in Juvenile Delinquency: Increasing or Decreasing?
The frequency of juvenile crimes is not what it appears to be. From all the reports from the media, some would think the crime rate for juveniles is increasing, but fortunately, it is decreasing. There are a few suggestions for this amazing phenomenon according to the authors at www.spn.gov/safer.asp'section=97. Some of these suggestions include the growing intolerance to violence, tougher sentencing practices, and the growing economy. What is being done now that is different than before? Reclaim Ohio is helping out along with the improved D.A.R.E program. The crime rate since the mid 1980's has been increasing, and finally reached it's peak and is gradually decreasing.
To finally say the crime rate in juveniles is decreasing, definitely helps society look at young people in a different view. In 1997, there were 92,102 total delinquent offense referrals, 5.2% fewer than the prior year (Today Foundation). This rate will continue to decrease due to the anticipated increase in the number of American Youth (spn.gov). "The number of arrests of juveniles aged 10 to 16 rose 76% from 1987 to 1996 before falling in 1997. Juvenile arrests in 1997 fell 2.5% despite a .5% increase in the juvenile population" (Today Foundation).
Estimated arrests of persons under age 18 in the United States
Coverage Indicator 68% 69% 63% 65% 68%
Total Crimes 2,838,300 2,603,300 2,468,800 2,369,400 2,273,500
Violent Crime Index 123,450 112,180 103,880 98,860 96,520
Murder/nonneg. mans. 2,480 2,080 1,410 1,220 1,390
Forcible rape 5,490 5,340 4,960 4,500 4,580
Robbery 39,500 32,500 28,000 26,800 25,600
Aggravated assault 75,900 72,300 69,600 66,300 64,900
Property Crime Index 701,500 596,100 541,500 518,800 491,400
Burglary 131,000 116,000 101,000 95,800 90,300
Larceny-theft 493,900 417,100 380,600 363,500 343,600
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