NCJ Number
198654
Date Published
2002
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses the complex relationship between employment and crime by focusing on work opportunities for high-risk individuals.
Abstract
Addressing various programs aimed at reducing crime through employment and increasing employment opportunities in high crime areas is the focus of this chapter. Discussing the reciprocal relationship between crime and employment, the authors describe the theoretical perspectives of the economic choice, control, and anomie theories. After briefly discussing national, community, and individual level research on crime and employment, the authors detail supply-side programs aimed at reducing crime by discussing job training and education programs, training programs connected to the criminal justice system, and job training and education programs specifically designed for at-risk youths such as the job corps and school-based programs. Highlighting job training for adults in the general population and housing dispersal and mobility programs, the authors address age-related and mobility programs designed to reduce central-city crime. Focusing on demand-side programs, the authors discuss bonding and wage supplements, enterprise zones, community development block grants, and weed and seed programs all designed to compensate employers for the risks associated with hiring workers with prior criminal records. The authors indicate that programs aimed at shifting poor people from criminal activity and into employment must reduce the attraction of crime and treat substance abuse problems, while providing social and educational supports to help high-risk individuals obtain gainful employment. Tables, references