NCJ Number
215192
Date Published
2006
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article presents an analysis of trends in self-reported delinquency in Finland between 1995 and 2004.
Abstract
Overall, the results revealed that adolescent participation in all types of crime decreased during the period 1995 through 2004. Major trends indicated that adolescent participation in property crimes of all types decreased during the study period, as did the overall number of property crimes committed by adolescents. Property destruction crimes both inside and outside of school decreased. Results of attitude measurements indicated that adolescents became less tolerant of juvenile delinquency during the study period and came to embrace more punitive attitudes. During 1995 through 2004, adolescent contact with police increased for violent crimes, shoplifting, and destruction of school property. Results from studies on social capital and juvenile crime suggested that low parental support, low teacher control, and low interpersonal trust were associated with delinquent behavior, particularly drug and violent offenses. Findings from delinquency surveys in Sweden indicate that Finland and Sweden are similar in terms of decreased levels of juvenile involvement in shoplifting, school thefts, and violent crimes. Data were drawn from a series of nationally representative self-report surveys of juvenile delinquency in Finland; the first Finnish Self-Report Delinquency Study (FSRD) was administered in 1995 while the fifth and most recent FSRD was administered in 2004. Table, figures, literature