NCJ Number
206283
Date Published
April 2000
Length
92 pages
Annotation
This report presents a descriptive analysis of the findings of a 2000 survey of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) juvenile offenders, which solicited information on the levels of crime and violence committed by the juveniles as well as the causes and reasons that drive juveniles to commit crime.
Abstract
Dar es Salaam is the economic capital of Tanzania. Violent crime and delinquency threaten the quality of life of urban dwellers in Dar es Salaam; during the 1990's, the annual crime increase in Dar es Salaam was 8.1 percent. The study reported in this document involved in-depth interviews with 97 young offenders between March 22 and April 7, 2000. They were recruited from juvenile remand facilities, probation services, community-based groups working with street children, and a counseling and drop-in center for young prostitutes/sex workers infected with HIV. The interviews obtained background information on the juvenile offenders; their experiences of crime; their motivations in engaging in criminal activities; their experiences with the police, justice, and prison systems; and their opinions, hopes, and fears for the future. There was little evidence that the juveniles engaged in premeditated planning for their crimes. Delinquent behaviors were strongly influenced by peer group norms and attitudes. Lack of parental supervision and accessibility to family were related to involvement with deviant peers. Stealing, robbery, and mugging was by far the most common types of crime committed by the juveniles. One-fifth of the crimes for which the youth were arrested were violent. The juveniles' experiences with the justice system left much to be desired. Advisory services should be provided at police stations, and juvenile courts should be considered. The goal of every phase of the juvenile justice system must be to reintegrate the youth successfully back into the community where they can lead productive lives. The older youth in this study were more pessimistic than the younger ones regarding their futures, particularly those who were living on the streets. The majority of the youth, however, were hoping to get an education or skills training; few had no plans or hopes at all. They recognized that to achieve their employment or educational goals they would need financial and family support. 55 tables, 10 figures, 11 case studies, and appended interview questionnaire