NCJ Number
209020
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 10 Issue: 2-3 Dated: 2004 Pages: 111-122
Date Published
2004
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study used conviction statistics over 50 years, police and victimization data since the 1980's, and self-report data collected since 1992 to assess trends in juvenile delinquency in Switzerland.
Abstract
Convictions of juveniles have been recorded in Switzerland since 1954. Between 1954 and 1970, convictions of 14-17 year-olds doubled per 1,000 of this age group. From 1970 to 1988 convictions for minors were not recorded, and in 1988 the practice was resumed but with a different method of data collection. Although it is difficult to determine the effect on trends of the several changes in recording procedures, convictions for violent offenses by juveniles have increased approximately by a factor of 10. Over this period, the trends in delinquency in Switzerland have been consistent with those observed in other countries, i.e., property offenses increased during the 1950's and 1960's, along with the steady increase in stealable consumer goods, and violent offenses began increasing mostly during the 1990's. Trends noted in police statistics have been generally consistent with those observed in conviction statistics. Victimization data have shown an increase in the victimization of juveniles, which this study concludes suggests a parallel trend in offending by juveniles. Self-reported delinquency recorded in surveys since 1992 shows just over a 100-percent increase in 10 of 16 deviant/delinquent behaviors. Whatever the methodological shortcomings of the data sources used in this study, the authors conclude that it is unlikely that all four indicators would show the massive increase in delinquency over time if the rate of juvenile delinquency had remained stable, as many scholars continue to claim. 3 tables, 2 figures, and 37 references