NCJ Number
165689
Date Published
1997
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Juvenile violence is discussed, with emphasis on the need for innovation, creative problemsolving, and partnerships between government agencies at all levels to address the issues of guns, drugs, and gangs.
Abstract
The United States has experienced a sharp increase and now a sharp decrease in violent crime, while property crime rates have been steadily declining for more than 20 years. Criminal behavior peaks in the late teenage years. After 15 years of relative stability, the homicide rate for defendants 18 and younger doubled between 1985 and 1992. During the same period, the arrest rate for minority juveniles for drug law offenses more than doubled. Crack cocaine, the use of guns by low-level drug dealers, and juvenile involvement in gangs explain much of the increase in juvenile violence. By the year 2005, the number of youths ages 14-17 will increase by 14 percent; greater percentage increases will occur among minorities living in cities. However, juvenile crime has declined substantially in the last two years. The most pressing challenge is to keep youths from obtaining or using guns. Research has also demonstrated that drug treatment, particularly under criminal justice coercion, can reduce drug use and crime. Research is also increasing understanding of the criminogenic impact of gangs, and Federal and State initiatives are addressing the problems of youth violence and gangs. Efforts focusing on early childhood and victims of child abuse and neglect are also needed.