NCJ Number
118975
Editor(s)
A Weiner,
M E Wolfgang
Date Published
1989
Length
237 pages
Annotation
These five discussions of current research on the measurement and correlates of criminal violence focus on the effects of the research design, current knowledge regarding individual violent criminal careers, policymaking related to race and crime, gender and violent crime, and knowledge and programming related to street gangs.
Abstract
An analysis of empirical studies of violence published between 1945 and 1983 concludes that the research design can affect the study findings, based on such factors as the level of aggregation of data and whether the focus is on offenders, victims, or situations. A literature review examines structural and behavioral features of the individual violent criminal career and suggests major difficulties in trying to predict which individuals will become violent career criminals. An analysis of the relationship between race and violent crime recommends the use of a three-part approach to reducing violent crime, involving overcoming economic deprivation and racial discrimination. An analysis of crime and arrest rates in 31 nations from 1962 to 1980 concludes that females have continued to have relatively minor roles in violent criminal activities. Finally, an analysis of research and programming related to gangs notes that current and past intervention programs have been based only vaguely on the accumulated knowledge of gang structure and functions. Tables, chapter notes, and reference lists.