NCJ Number
184369
Date Published
June 1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews research that pertains to connections between youth violence, guns, and illicit drug markets.
Abstract
The perception that violence is increasing is supported by data that show a sharp rise in violent crime among juveniles since the mid-1980's. Between 1985 and 1992, the rate of homicides by youth, the number they committed with guns, and the arrest rate of nonwhite juveniles for drug offenses have all more than doubled. These increases appear to be linked to the recruitment of juveniles into the illegal drug trade and the consequent diffusion of guns from them to a much larger number of youth. Considering the known frequency with which male teenagers often resort to violence to settle arguments, the increased presence of guns has meant that disputes once settled by fist fights often escalate to shooting incidents that result in a greater number of deaths. The links between the diffusion of guns to juveniles and to the general community--a result of youths' recruitment into the illegal drug trade--is reflected in the 120 percent jump in the homicide arrest rate for nonwhite juveniles from 1985 to 1992. For white juveniles, the rate increased about 80 percent, even though there was no strong indication of their involvement in the drug trade. The study concludes that a concerted effort must be made to get firearms out of the hands of juveniles. In most cases it is not a legislative issue, given the adequacy of existing law, but rather the use of stronger enforcement and other avenues to deplete the gun supply, especially in urban areas. Some examples are provided of what various cities are doing to address this issue.