NCJ Number
115040
Journal
Lincoln Review Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1988) Pages: 11-16
Date Published
1988
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article reviews factors in the high rate of black-on-black crime and suggests ways to counter the high rate of black household criminal victimization.
Abstract
According to a 1987 survey by the U.S Bureau of Justice Statistics, black households, particularly those with household incomes of less than $7,500 per year, were more vulnerable than white households to violent crimes, household theft, and burglary. One factor contributing to this trend is the growing number of blacks achieving middle-class status and leaving urban neighborhoods for the suburbs. This has reduced positive social and economic influences in black urban neighborhoods, which have become heavily impacted by crime and the drug subculture. Another contributing factor has been the decline of traditional values during the 1960's and 1970's. During the same period, the criminal justice system ignored crime victims while expanding the rights of suspects and defendants. Some steps to reverse this trend are the creation of a Federal Office for the Victims of Crime to provide funds to States to enhance victim compensation and assistance programs. The Reagan administration has introduced several legislative packages to ensure that criminals are held accountable for their crimes. The Federal Government has also waged war on drugs. Research indicates that community-based efforts can be effective in combatting crime, notably neighborhood watch programs. The effectiveness of such programs has been documented in inner-city neighborhoods as well as in suburban communities.