CRIMINAL VICITIMIZATION OF THE AGED - THE HOUSTON MODEL NEIGHBORHOOD AREA

• NCJ Number: 14575
• Author(s): R FORSTON; J KITCHENS
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 106 pages
• Grant Number(s): 1-J1-852
• Sponsoring Agency: Texas Criminal Justice Council; North Texas State University
• Corporate Author: North Texas State University
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

ANALYSIS OF VICTIM AND OFFENDER STATISTICS OBTAINED FROM INTERVIEWS IN THE HOUSTON MODEL NEIGHBORHOOD AREA AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REDUCING VICTIMIZATION OF THE AGED.

Abstract

RESULTS INDICATE THAT PEOPLE OVER 65 ARE LESS FREQUENTLY VICTIMIZED THAN THOSE UNDER 65. THE MOST PREVALENT CRIMES AGAINST THE AGED ARE ROBBERY, SWINDLING, AND PURSE SNATCHING. FEMALES AND BLACKS ARE MORE LIKELY VICTIMS THAN MALES, MEXICAN-AMERICANS, AND WHITES. THE RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR THE AGED AND SIMPLIFIED CRIME REPORTING AND TRIAL PROCEDURES. LESS THAN 50 PERCENT OF CRIMES REPORTED TO INTERVIEWERS WERE REPORTED TO POLICE. COMMUNITY SERVICES CAN BE RESTRUCTURED TO HELP REDUCE VICTIMIZATION OF THE AGED. ALSO, THE AGED MUST BE KEPT INFORMED ON HOME IMPROVEMENTS AND PROTECTIVE DEVICES. THE APPENDIXES CONTAIN DATA THAT WERE NOT FULLY EXPLOITED IN THE REPORT AS WELL AS THE INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE IN BOTH ENGLISH AND SPANISH.