NCJ Number
163330
Date Published
1996
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This report analyzes trends in juvenile arrests and referrals to juvenile probation departments in Texas since 1990 and projects these trends to the year 2010.
Abstract
Since 1990, crimes committed by juveniles in Texas increased at a faster pace than crimes committed by adults. Between 1990 and 1994, the juvenile population between 10 and 16 years of age increased by 11 percent, while juvenile arrests increased by 44 percent. This compared to an 8 percent increase for both the adult population and adult arrests. The impact of increased juvenile arrests translated into a growth of 24 percent in the number of juveniles referred to juvenile probation departments and a 33 percent increase in overall referrals. In 1994, 84,854 juveniles were referred to juvenile probation departments, compared to 68,608 juveniles in 1990. Referrals increased from 98,044 in 1990 to 130,630 in 1994, although some juveniles were referred multiple times during a given year. The largest percentage increase in referrals occurred for Hispanic juveniles referred for violent and drug offenses. Referrals for Hispanic juveniles committing violent offenses increased by 86 percent, compared to 73 percent for white juveniles and 62 percent for black juveniles. Referrals for Hispanic juveniles committing felony drug offenses increased by 138 percent, compared to 40 percent for black juveniles and 19 percent for white juveniles. Juvenile trends through the year 2010 are projected that concern the size of the Hispanic juvenile population, conditions that increase the probability of black and Hispanic juvenile involvement in delinquent behavior, juvenile arrests, and juvenile probation department referrals. 4 tables and 14 figures