NCJ Number
88141
Date Published
1982
Length
206 pages
Annotation
Bank robbers are not a homogenous group and their composition, in many respects, has changed substantially over the 12-year period (1964-76) studied.
Abstract
They still are, however, overwhelmingly male. The number of young robbers (between 16-30 years old) and black robbers have risen dramatically during the 12-year period. Even though economic conditions were improving during this period, robbery was still increasing sharply, probably because of rising expectations created during the 'Great Society' period. Merton's opportunity theory seems applicable here, as many blacks are blocked in the educational opportunity structure for upward mobility and turn to bank robbery because it is easy and available. However, bank robbery is not a lucrative criminal career. Another factor contributing to increased robbery rates were the growing number of drug users drifting into the ranks of bank robbers. Many bank robbers seem to be 'losers.' Their family backgrounds are deprived, most are unmarried and have transitory relationships with women, and most have prior criminal records. They have little formal education, no job skills, and an unemployment rate approaching 70 percent. There are four typologies of bank robbers, based on their degree of involvement in crime as a way of life: heavy-career, compulsive, casual, and amateur. These typologies have policy implications for the criminal justice system. Study data, footnotes, and about 180 references are supplied.