NCJ Number
142507
Journal
Focus: Criminal Justice Policy Issue: 91-1 Dated: (1991) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Patterns of alcohol use and crime and the alcohol- homicide relationship in Omaha, Neb. were studied using data from the reports of the investigating police officers in 416 cases during 1975-89.
Abstract
The police officers had been trained to detect intoxication in suspects. The analysis considered race, gender, age, events surrounding the homicide, alcohol use by the offender and victim, whether or not the homicide was gang related, the occupations of the offender and victim, the addresses of the offender and victim, and the number of offenders. Findings revealed that the incidence of drinking related to homicide was highest for homicides involving family members and friends. In addition, males who had been drinking were more likely to become homicide victims than were females. Furthermore, firearms and knives were the weapons of choice for both intoxicated and nonintoxicated offenders. The findings suggest the need for appropriate policy responses in the areas of prevention, interdiction, and treatment. Tables, figure, and 15 references