NCJ Number
186887
Date Published
2000
Length
434 pages
Annotation
This annual report gives a nationwide view of crime based on statistics contributed by State and local law enforcement agencies.
Abstract
Historically, the causes and origins of crime have been the subjects of investigation by varied disciplines. Some factors which are known to affect the volume and type of crime occurring from place to place are: (1) population density and degree of urbanization; (2) variations in composition of the population, particularly youth concentration; (3) stability of population with respect to residents’ mobility, commuting patterns, and transient factors; (4) modes of transportation and highway system; (5) economic conditions, including median income, poverty level, and job availability; (6) cultural factors and educational, recreational, and religious characteristics; (7) family conditions with respect to divorce and family cohesiveness; (8) climate; (9) effective strength of law enforcement agencies; (10) administrative and investigative emphases of law enforcement; (11) policies of other components of the criminal justice system; (12) citizens’ attitudes toward crime; and (13) crime reporting practices of the citizenry. The report utilizes population size as the only correlate of crime, with the other factors listed noted as being of equal concern. The report provides a summary of the Uniform Crime Reporting program and offers data on crime index offenses reported (with offense definitions); crime index offenses cleared; persons arrested; the chances of lifetime murder victimization, 1997; and law enforcement personnel. Appendices, tables, charts, graphs, and notes