NCJ Number
131699
Date Published
Unknown
Length
84 pages
Annotation
Data were obtained on the volume, rate, and distribution of major crimes reported in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during 1989 from monthly crime summary reports of the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD).
Abstract
From 1988 to 1989, Milwaukee had an increase of 6.7 percent in index crimes reported or known to the MPD. After investigation and elimination of reports determined to be unfounded, 53,098 crimes were included in Uniform Crime Report statistics. Analysis of crime reports by Aldermanic District showed significant differences. Crime rates ranged from 258.6 to 1990.4 crime reports per 10,000 people. The city average was 876 index crime reports per 10,000 people. Milwaukee's rate of index crimes compared favorably to other cities of similar size. Milwaukee had a comparatively low rate for violent index crimes; theft and motor vehicle theft were the only index crimes for which Milwaukee had relatively high rates. Index crimes of violence against persons amounted to less than 9 percent of the index total. The MPD cleared 45 percent of violent index crimes and 12 percent of property index crimes. Almost 20 percent of index crimes cleared by arrest involved only juvenile offenders. Weapons were used in more than two-thirds of violent index crimes, and firearms were used in almost half. The weapon used in two-thirds of reported rapes and attempted rapes was body force. Aggravated assault was the only index crime that declined during 1989. The estimated dollar value of losses from property crimes and the violent crime of robbery was almost $52 million. Motor vehicle theft accounted for losses of $28 million, while total loss to arson was over $4 million. Appendixes contain supplemental statistics on Milwaukee crime rates and arrests. 22 tables and 39 figures