NCJ Number
79114
Date Published
1981
Length
30 pages
Annotation
The criminal involvements of minority group members who are drug addicts were studied by examination of data on active black addicts in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., and on active Mexican-American addicts in Phoenix, Ariz.
Abstract
Data indicated that such addicts commit an average of 26.2 crimes each during a month. The majority of these crimes will be vice crimes, especially procuring and prostitution and individual drug sales. Crimes against persons constitute about 5 percent of the total and property crimes about 26 percent. Vice crimes are the most frequent crimes among black addicts, while drug sales are the most frequent crimes among Mexican Americans. Data also indicate that addict criminals below age 25 commit significantly fewer crimes on the average than those who are older, although they commit significantly more crimes against persons. Drug selling is more associated with addict criminals over age 30 than with younger addicts. Data indicate that crimes against persons now contribute from one-third to one-half of the total monthly illicit income received by addicts. Tables and a list of 16 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)