NCJ Number
104297
Date Published
1985
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This booklet examines the nature and extent of crime in contemporary Sweden and criminal policy measures undertaken to limit criminal behavior.
Abstract
The determination of crime paterns in Sweden is complicated by the existence of crimes not reported to the police. Official statistics, however, show that as of 1984, serious crimes constituted a small percentage of overall crime, with property crimes dominating the crime scene. There are geographical variations in crime patterns. Data also cover short-term and long-term changes in criminality, offender and victim characteristics, and the economic cost of crime. The discussion of criminal policy in Sweden focuses on the system of penal regulations and the criminal justice control apparatus. Topics discussed include sanction options, the case processing mechanism, and recidivism. A discussion of developments in criminal policy during the 1970's and 1980's focuses on drug and economic offenses, the victimization of women, and the change in the sanctions goal from rehabilitation to proportionate justice. A review of the causes of criminality considers the criminogenic influences of an affluent and urbanized Sweden and the difficulties criminal policy has in countering these influences. 9 figures.