NCJ Number
191194
Date Published
May 2001
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This report reviews research exploring the relationship between alcohol and crime and examines patterns of alcohol-related crime in New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract
Research in the United States had revealed that more crime took place under the influence of alcohol than under the influence of all illegal drugs combined. Several Australian studies had also established that alcohol was significantly associated with crime, especially violent crime, and had specified a number of areas that could be targeted in an attempt to reduce alcohol-related crime. The 1998 National Drug Strategy Household Survey revealed that just over 80 percent of Australians aged 14 years and over reported that they consumed alcohol; and indicated that a significant minority was involved in alcohol-related crime. Police statistics from New South Wales made it possible to examine alcohol-related assaults, offensive behavior, and malicious damage to property, as well when and where alcohol-related crime was most likely to occur and the gender and age of persons typically involved. Results revealed that police flagged 23 percent of assaults, 58 percent of offensive behavior incidents, and 6 percent of malicious damage to property incidents as alcohol-related. Forth-three percent of reported assaults occurred in homes, 29 percent occurred outdoors, and 9 percent occurred in licensed premises. Assaults and offensive behaviors occurred most often on Friday and Saturday nights between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Eighty-one percent of perpetrators and 55 percent of victims were males. Findings suggested the desirability of enforcing existing laws on alcohol-free zones, trying to prevent gatherings following the closure of hotels and clubs, and trying to limit the intoxication levels of patrons who drink on licensed premises. Findings also suggested the need for further research on the relationship between alcohol and crime. Figures, tables, notes, appended table, and 21 references