NCJ Number
151385
Date Published
1994
Length
194 pages
Annotation
This report presents statistics on the amounts and types of offenses known to California public authorities in 1993, along with the administrative actions taken by the criminal justice system.
Abstract
For the first time since 1987, the violent-crime rate decreased 4.1 percent in 1993. Along with a 3.3-percent decrease in property offenses, there was an overall decrease of 3.5 percent in the California Index Crimes. Homicide, however, increased 3.2 percent, and the gang problem is still out of control; random violence is a major concern. Law enforcement's response to crime, as measured by arrest statistics, shows a 4.4-percent decrease compared to 1992. Total felony arrests decreased by 1.5 percent, but arrests for dangerous drugs continued an increase begun in 1991. The Attorney General advises that this suggests drug-related violence is still prevalent in some neighborhoods. There was a continuing increase in the number of juvenile arrests. Misdemeanor arrests decreased by 6 percent. Although the arrest rates are down slightly, the proportion of complaints filed with police has been increasing. The efforts of the district attorneys and the courts in response to "get tough" legislation are resulting in growing proportions of convictions and incarcerations for those arrested. The Attorney General notes that government agencies in California, including law enforcement agencies, have been restricted by declining budgets. This has resulted in the redirection of efforts and in declines in arrests for less serious offenses. 58 tables and appended known data limitations and characteristics and a criminal justice glossary