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LEARNING BY CRIMING: THEORETICAL ANALYSIS AND EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE

NCJ Number
145186
Journal
Public Finance Volume: 45 Issue: 1 Dated: (1990) Pages: 59-69
Author(s)
J Deutsch; S Hakim; U Spiegel
Date Published
1990
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Data on crime and other socioeconomic data in the 48 contiguous states of the United States were used to analyze the effect of offenders¦ accumulated criminal experience on the rate of property crimes.
Abstract
The analysis used the concept of Learning by Doing, according to which criminals learn by doing over time of their productivity in illegal activity increases with experience. The analysis used data from 1970 to 1980. The acculmulated experience was measured using Koyck¦s method, which permits the development of a weighted index. In addition, the variable of Learning by Doing as well as relevant socioeconomic characteristics were introduced into the model. Results revealed that past criminal experience affects of nonviolent crime. In addition, unlike other studies that analyzed similar large geographical areas, findings indicated that police expenditures had a deterrent effect. Furthermore, the socioeconomic variables often suggested as generating property crime had the hypothesized results. Thus, higher unemployment was associated with higher crime rates, while a larger percentage of high school graduates and a higher income were associated with lower crime rates. Findings indicated that greater police outlays that are reflected in more police personnel, equipment, and use of facilities lead to a reduction in crime. Tables, appended list of data sources, and 25 references (Author abstract modified)