9/2/2013Chapter Two-The Nature and Extent of CrimeSiegelUniform Crime Report (UCR) - Includes both crimes reported to local law enforcement departments and the number of arrests madeby police agencies. Most known, most widely cited source of criminal statisticsIndex Crime (Part 1 crimes) – Criminal Homicide—murder and non-negligent manslaughter & manslaughter by negligence, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary/breaking & entering, larceny, motor vehicle theft, arsonPart 2 Crimes - All other crimes-sex crimes, drug trafficking, vandalismExplaining the Uniform Crime Report1st Method: Number of reported crimes2nd Method: Crime rate per 100,000 people3rd Method: Changes in rate of crime over timeNumber of Reported CrimesTotal U.S. PopulationClearance Rate – the amount of crimes are cleared per month1. By making arrest, or charges being made-in court’s hands2. When element beyond police control precludes the physical arrest of offender-20%+ of all index crimes are cleared by arrest each year including 45% of violent crimes, 17% of property crimes, & 66% of murdersProblems with UCR1. Reporting Practices- Surveys reflect that less than 40% of all criminal incidents are reported to the police-Seriousness, social support, victim-offender relationships, and dirty hands all are exhibits of why/why not crime is/is not reported2. Law Enforcement Practices- Commanders altering crime evidence to lessen the level of the crime, differences in definitions of “arrest” between departments3. Methodological Issues- - No federal crimes are reported- Not all police departments submit reports- Hierarchy RuleVictim surveys provide information not only about the criminal incidents that have occurred, but also about the individuals who are most at risk of falling victim to crime, and where and when they are most likely to become victimized. Factors that Influence Crime Rate:Age composition, number of immigrants, availability of legalized abortion, number of guns, drug use, availability of emergency medical services, state of economy, number of police officers, cultural changes, and criminal opportunitiesAging-Out Process- As you age, you commit less crimesSocial Class & Crime- Higher poverty=Higher CrimeEcological Conditions-More crimes reported in summer timeRacial & Gender Patterns- More males, more minorities; Growth in female involvement with crime-very similar to male criminalsChronic Offenders-kids with harsh home conditions are more likely to become chronic offenders. Crime does not diminish with age.X 100,000 = Rate per 100,0009/2/2013Chapter Two-The Nature and Extent of CrimeSiegelCrime patterns- Ecology of crimeo Warm summer months has heightened crime due tohomes left vacant during vacationo Days are type dependent- Use of Firearmso 2/3 of murderso 40% of robberieso Debates on whether or not they prevent/cause crime- Social Class, Socioeconomic conditionso Instrumental Crimes-compensates for lack of economic opportunityo Expressive Crimes-Anger/frustration with society—often fueled by alcohol/drug abuse- Crime and the Economyo Broad trends haven’t led to a conclusiono Macro trends lead to different views- Gender and Crimeo Masculinity Hypothesis? More masculine women commit crimeso Chivalry Hypothesis? People cover up for crimes that women commit to protect their virtue- Socialization and Developmento Males are taught to be aggressive/assertiveo Girls taught to care and avoid harming otherso Cognitive Differences Girls are more empathetic Girls learn languages easier Boys are better at spatial skills Girls less likely to experience reading problems- Liberal Feminist Theoryo Pg.54 as roles of women in society changes, she commits more crime- Race and Crime-Racial Threat Hypothesiso As the % of minorities increase, so do measures of social control (e.g. police)- Cultural Bias- Structural Bias- Immigration and Crime- Chronic Offenders/Criminal Careerso Some people don’t age outo The earlier you start, the more likely for chronic caseso If you begin with serious crimes, you more than likely continue criminal