NCJ Number
99762
Date Published
1985
Length
143 pages
Annotation
This report provides verbatim transcriptions of panel and round table discussions of the apparent decline in crime rates and factors contributing to crime and crime rates.
Abstract
Discussion in Panel 1 focused on the reality of the decline in crime rates with reference to the limitations of time-series or trend data, possible contributions of major demographic changes in the 1980's, and corroborating data from the National Crime Surveys. The public's increasing fear of crime and attitudes toward the criminal justice system also were discussed. Panel 2 examined age-crime relationships with reference to the changing age composition of the population, as well as the possible contributions of other demographic factors such as family structure, unemployment, and incapacitation. The third panel considered the effects of harsher penalties at the police, court, and correctional levels on the declining crime rates and debated the merits and limitations of selective incapacitation policies. Panel 4 concentrated on additional social and cultural factors which may have influenced crime rates over the past several decades, including changing values and attitudes toward authority, medicalization of criminality, and affirmative action programs. Discussion on the second day centered on presenting panel discussion results to policymakers and practitioners for consideration. Foci included the role of police-community relations and community-based programs in crime prevention, imprisonment as a crime control strategy, and the efficacy of early intervention programs. An appendix includes information on panelists and a listing of attendees.