NCJ Number
165234
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 60 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1996) Pages: 32-37
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Based on the author's personal observations in Hungary and his interactions with Hungarian officials, this article examines crime patterns in post-cold war Hungary as well as the criminal justice system's evolution.
Abstract
The crime rates in Hungary remained relatively constant until the early 1980's, and then they exploded in the early 1990's. Although not a direct causal link, increasing homelessness and poverty are precipitating crime factors. The Hungarian government is concerned that a permanent class of unemployed may emerge, from which a fixed and lasting criminal element may be established, as it has in Western democracies that have a free-market economy. These concerns were fueled with the release of 1991 Department of Corrections statistics, which showed that nearly half of the inmates in Hungary that year were unemployed at the time they committed the offense for which they were incarcerated. Corruption is rampant at all levels of business and government, and no viable institutional mechanisms are currently in place to counter the misconduct. In a speedy attempt to embrace the free-market economy, Hungary failed to establish institutions, rules, and regulations designed to ensure quality control and the safety of the products being manufactured and services being rendered. As the westernization movement proceeds, Hungary will continue to have increases in traditional Western crimes, particularly property crimes. In spite of strenuous efforts, the law enforcement community will remain largely incapable of addressing most of the crime problems of the coming decade. Resources and institutional structures are not in place to allow for an adequate response. Correctional policymakers would do well to expand their community-based correctional infrastructures so as to mitigate prison overcrowding. 3 notes and 13 references