NCJ Number
136572
Date Published
1990
Length
145 pages
Annotation
This study deals with the nature and causes of crime in India and remedial measures for reducing crime.
Abstract
It is based on information obtained from interviews and discussions with experts, officials, researchers, and prisoners. Topics covered by the study include a review of the literature on various aspects of crime in India; secondary and primary data on crimes and their determinants; a survey of released and nonreleased prisoners in Ahmedabad (socioeconomic background, factors responsible for crime, and other related information); and a historical perspective of crime, the law, and procedures relevant to crime. Other topics encompass crime distribution (juvenile and nonjuvenile), growth patterns of crime in India, determinants of crime (social, economic, and other factors), and the legal system to include criminal investigation and the judicial system. The study indicates that concepts of crime and punishment vary, that the number of crimes in India has been increasing at a faster rate than the population, and that the annual growth rate of juvenile crime is higher than that for nonjuvenile crime. The crimes of murder, rioting, criminal breach of trust, housebreaking, theft, robbery, and cheating are closely related to socioeconomic factors of development. The police force in India is not able to cope with increased crime, due to lack of public support, a heavy workload, lack of technology, political interference in the investigation process, and corrupt practices. Policy measures to reduce the volume of crime in India are suggested. References and tables