NCJ Number
150186
Date Published
1994
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes bias-related crimes committed in New Jersey during 1993 and makes comparisons with crimes in previous years.
Abstract
A total of 1,325 incidents that were based on the victim's race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation were reported by the police in 1993, a 2-percent increase compared to 1992. Harassment accounted for 35 percent of the incidents, while criminal mischief and property damage accounted for 32 percent of the incidents. Racial bias accounted for 59 percent of the bias crimes; 40 percent of the incidents were targeted to black victims. Persons were targeted in 64 percent of the offenses. Twenty- six percent of the bias incidents were directed against the Jewish religion. Hispanics accounted for 6 percent of the incidents. The most common day of occurrence was Friday; the most common location was a residence. Thirty-nine percent of the offenses were cleared; 20 percent were cleared by arrest and 19 percent were exceptionally cleared. The arrests involved 190 adults and 199 juveniles. The involvement of organized hate groups was not substantiated in any of the reported bias incidents. Figures and tables