NCJ Number
130384
Journal
Criminology Australia Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (October/November 1990) Pages: 16-18
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Information is provided on the criminal behavior of Pacific Islanders and Asians residing in Brisbane during the period 1980 to 1987.
Abstract
Data were obtained from the arrest files of the Information Bureau of the Queensland Police Department. Out of the total 73,311 people arrested during the study period, Asian and Pacific Islanders represented 2.25 percent of total arrests. They were arrested mainly for drunk driving, stealing, and false pretenses, and good order offences (use of obscene language and disorderly conduct). Of those arrested for drunk driving, the majority had low blood alcohol levels. Personal accessories such as earrings, hairclips, watches, and sun glasses were the common items stolen. Clothing was the second most common item stolen, and cosmetics was the third item. Cash stolen was of greater value than goods, but the majority of the thefts involved women's goods and were inexpensive items. Other offenses Asians were arrested for, in order of decreasing number of arrests, were possession of prohibited plants and equipment, assault, malicious damage, breaking and entering, rape and other sexual offenses, and homicide. Overall, the nature and extent of Asians' and Pacific Islanders involvement in illegal offenses is lower than that of native born Australians living in Brisbane. 4 tables and 15 references