NCJ Number
180745
Journal
Western Criminology Review Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: 1999 Pages: 1-20
Date Published
1999
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study analyzes arrest, reported crime, and mortality data from jurisdictions throughout California for the period 1980-1997.
Abstract
In recent years cities and localities across the country have expanded the use of youth curfews to address growing public concern about juvenile crime and violence. By reducing the number of youth on the street during certain hours, curfews were assumed to lower the risk factors associated with youth crime. This study compared the relative crime and death rates of jurisdictions with greater curfew enforcement and jurisdictions with lesser curfew enforcement. In addition, it examined the effects of curfew enforcement on specific types of crimes and the impact of curfew enforcement on juvenile crime relative to adult crime. Curfew enforcement had no effect on crime, youth crime or youth safety no matter what the time period, jurisdiction or type of crime measure studied. Rates of serious crime among youth were strongly correlated with those of adults around them, both by local area and over time. Curfews appear to be a simplistic solution to crime problems that has no demonstrable effect. Figure, tables, notes, references, cases cited