NCJ Number
77475
Journal
Journal of Insurance Volume: 42 Issue: 2 Dated: special issue (March/April 1981) Pages: complete issue
Editor(s)
B Kaapcke
Date Published
1981
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This special issue of a journal published by an insurance industry association contains seven articles which examine white collar crime, juvenile delinquency, arson, and residential burglary and suggest prevention measures.
Abstract
An overview of crime prevention programs in the United States provides examples of organized efforts by citizens, law enforcement agencies, and businesses to combat rising crime rates. Insurance companies have been a primary supporter of crime prevention through their investigative services and educational programs. The development of Florida's antifraud unit within the department of insurance is described, along with examples of insurance fraud schemes which have been uncovered. An examination of white collar crime considers audits, tightened management procedures, and accounting controls. A profile of the white collar criminal is presented, as well as a review of the pressures that cause employees to engage in illegal activities. Juvenile crime is then addressed, with particular attention to the failure of current prevention and rehabilitation efforts. The article emphasizes that many basic needs of youth are not being met by contemporary society, especially in urban ghetto areas, and that business could help by creating realistic opportunities for productive work. The president of a private firm details the firm's methods for investigating arson and fraud and offers suggestions as to how losses from incendiary fires can be drastically reduced by proper investigation techniques. Insurance companies' problems in coping with computer crime are discussed, and types of frauds encountered are described, including siphoning of assets, computer looting, and system shutdowns. Since some losses from computer crime are now uninsurable, the insurance industry must develop new policies to cover potentially staggering losses. The final article focuses on residential burglary and provides tips on protecting the home by such devices as improved locks, automatic timers on indoor lights, and alarm systems.