NCJ Number
83017
Date Published
1981
Length
64 pages
Annotation
This monograph investigates the nature and causes of crime in the Detroit metropolitan area, with attention to public attitudes toward criminal activities and the justice system and the impact of crime on social institutions.
Abstract
Growing anxiety about crime in communities throughout the United States is discussed, along with statistics from the Uniform Crime Reports demonstrating the rise in crime between 1967 and 1976. A review of narcotics addiction in Detroit emphasizes that it contributes significantly to other criminal activities. Theories on the etiology of crime are reviewed briefly, and the sociological explanations are applied to Detroit. In this view, conflicts between different cultural groups and social deterioration of city neighborhoods are primary causes of increasing crime. Surveys show, however, that many citizens believe crime is caused by the criminal justice system. Complaints of Detroit blacks about police treatment and opinions of white suburbanites regarding the courts' lenient handling of criminals illustrate this perception. Community reactions to correction officials' decisions to release repeat offenders are also examined, as are conflicting relationships between various components of the criminal justice system. The harmful effects of crime on the family, education, the economy, government, and religion are analyzed. For example, police families suffer from extreme occupational stress, vandalism curtails school activities, and security has become an increasing expense for corporations. Many people believe crime has become a part of government and have little faith in elected officials. A table summarizing 1979 crime data for the United States, Michigan, and Detroit is appended. Footnotes accompany each chapter.