NCJ Number
73999
Journal
Flute Issue: 15 Dated: special issue (November 1980) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1980
Length
76 pages
Annotation
The conclusions and recommendations of the Quebec Work Group on Armed Robbery are reported.
Abstract
The data of the report derive from interviews with 67 victims of armed robbery, from 536 police records on armed robberies, from discussions with representatives of 250 police departments in Quebec and other provinces, and a number of studies on armed robbery. Study results show that armed robberies are costly, violent crimes which tend to traumatize victims regardless of the weapons used. The frequency of such crimes is particularly high in Quebec. Victims are usually poorly defended and victimized institutions are not equipped to deal with offenses of that nature. Armed robbers are typically young men who live alone, lack education and satisfying jobs, and tend to abuse drugs and alcohol. Despite their activities, these juveniles are frequently able to avoid police action and are seldom subjected to long prison terms. Causes of the large number of armed robberies include a socioeconomic climate which emphasizes visible success, competition, and consumption; the recent rapid evolution of the socioeconomic conditions of Quebec; and the hasty implementation of new social measures (e.g., decriminalization policies) without adequate planning and proper introduction to the public. Also responsible are ambiguities in police strategy; general apathy toward prevention measures on the part of banks, businesses, and individuals; and ineffective features of the judicial process, such as failure to provide assistance and protection to witnesses. To remedy the situation the work group recommends that special research and services be devoted to the victims and witnesses of armed robberies, and that institutions such as schools and police identify individuals, especially, juveniles, who are susceptible to socioeconomic pressure and the stress of rapid change so that special preventive assistance can be provided for them. The security forces must emphasize the responsibility of businesses and individuals to take the measures necessary for prevention of armed robberies and must supply information on those measures. Police powers must be clearly defined, and police must maintain special social services to aid segments of the population most affected by crime. Plea bargaining practices must be attuned to the overall objectives of the judicial process. Finally, the government must create units in the social services network which are solely concerned with public safety. Tables, appendixes, and an 88-item bibliography are furnished.