NCJ Number
106639
Journal
Journal of Crime and Justice Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: (1987) Pages: 133-169
Date Published
1987
Length
37 pages
Annotation
A study of arrests in two midwestern communities between 1962 and 1980 indicates that age is an important variable related to increases in arrest rates of females relative to males.
Abstract
Study data came from adult arrest statistics complied by the police forces of Lincoln, Neb., and Kansas City, Mo., during the periods 1962-1967 and 1972-1980. Arrestees were categorized into four age groups: 18-29 years, 30-49 years, 50-59 years, and 60 and over. The greatest increase in female arrests compared to male arrests was in the 50-59 age group, although the absolute increases were higher for the younger women. The arrest increases were primarily for property crimes. The emergence of the 'new' female criminal appears to be a more the result of economic pressure and police practices than of economic opportunity and attitude change. Tables, footnotes, and 54 references.