NCJ Number
102724
Date Published
1985
Length
146 pages
Annotation
This pilot study, sponsored by the European Committee on Crime Problems and implemented by the Select Committee of Experts on the Economic Crisis and Crime beginning in 1982, examined variables pertaining to crime and economic conditions in the United Kingdom, France, and the Federal Republic of Germany for 1963-1982.
Abstract
A review of previous studies pertaining to economic conditions and crime in the three countries did not produce any definite conclusions about the relationship between economic conditions and crime. Crime in the three nations has apparently risen since the 1950's regardless of economic changes. The analysis of crime and economic conditions in the three countries used data on economic trends, crime trends and changes in legislation and administrative practice, trends in the prison population, and trends in the number of police. Simple regression models were tested, using various crime variables as the dependent variables and the socioeconomic and social control variables as the independent variables. At the macrolevel, there was no clear relationship between economic conditions, crime, and the criminal justice system, and there was no correlation between unemployment and recorded crime. In England, Wales, and the Federal Republic of Germany, there was an apparent growth in crime connected with growing affluence. In France, there was a positive correlation between increases in police strength and in crime. Appended tabular data and 75-item bibliography.