NCJ Number
82940
Journal
International Criminal Police Review Volume: 36 Issue: 351 Dated: (October 1981) Pages: 214-228
Date Published
1981
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The relation between unemployment and crime and preventing crime by combating unemployment are discussed, with particular attention to the experiences of Federal Germany.
Abstract
Empirical studies have shown (1) more unemployment among criminals and released prisoners than among other groups, (2) a higher percentage of criminals among unemployed than among the working population, and (3) unemployed persons and criminals often suffering from similar social handicaps. The unemployment problem cannot be solved merely by a combination of assistance from social workers, increasing motivation, strengthening a person's confidence in self, and eliminating obstacles to work and training. In addition to measures aimed at reducing the overall level of unemployment, special measures are needed for adolescents who are morally at risk. Measures must be adopted to combat the discrimination which such youth suffer because of the recruitment and dismissal policies of many employers; for example, a system of training bonuses could be devised so that more former juvenile delinquents and adolescents living in slums, hostels, and from other stigmatized backgrounds would be hired and retained by employers. Financial incentive schemes should also be developed to apply to the hiring of released prisoners. This could include the preferential awarding of government contracts to firms employing a specified percentage of exprisoners. Special assistance to exprisoners in a working environment also is required to help them improve not only their working skills but their abilities to function in the structured demands of a job. The public sector should lead the way in adopting a policy of employing exprisoners. A total of 75 notes are listed.