NCJ Number
163890
Date Published
1996
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study examines geographic patterns of homicides committed by juveniles and assesses whether adult court intervention for juveniles charged with homicide is effective in reducing such homicides.
Abstract
The study found that juvenile homicide is highly site- specific. Six States account for more than half of the Nation's juvenile homicide arrests, and just four cities account for nearly one-third of the juvenile homicide arrests: Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Detroit; cities that contain 1 in 20 juveniles nationwide account for 1 in 3 juvenile homicide arrests. The study also examined whether States with high levels of transfer of juveniles to adult court have lower rates of juvenile homicide. No correlation was found between rates of transfer and rates of juvenile homicides. It may be that the sentencing of juveniles convicted of homicide to adult prisons increases the chance that they will become hardened criminals. The study concludes that the increase in juvenile homicides over the past 10 years is unequivocally linked to firearms. Due to data that show a concentration of juvenile homicides in America's largest cities, the authors recommend a focused intervention approach that targets identified cities. Strategies should include gun abatement, youth employment, and increased recreational opportunities. Specific program recommendations in each of these areas are offered. 9 figures and 24 notes