Is there a Standard Criminal? It is estimated that 61% of criminals in state prisons have mental health problems (James and Glaze 2006). Approximately 1% of the population is psychopathic, although shockingly, psychopaths comprise as much as 25% of the federal prison population (Kiehl and Buckholtz 22-24). Facts Crime statistics reveal that 13.2% of the schizophreni c population has had at least one violent offense, compared with just 5.3% of the general population (Noll). Studies show that nearly four in ten violent crimes involve the use of alcohol. In one study, 41% of probationers, 41% of offenders in local jail, 38% of offenders in state prisons, and 20% of offenders in federal prisons committed a crime while under the influence of alcohol (Greenfield). 14% of all men in prison and 36% of women in prison in the US were abused as children, about twice the rate seen in the general population (“National Child Abuse Statistics”). Stat Isti cally, the odds of violent crime are 85% higher for African Americans comp ared to Caucasians, and are 10% lower for Hispanics/Latinos compared to Caucasians(Sampson,or enoff, and Raudenbush). In today’s society, stories of gun violence and tragedies repeatedly show up in news headlines. Some may argue that the availability of weapons is to blame. But is gun control really the solution? It is essential to remember that there are people pulling the trigger of guns, people planning the details of the attacks, those people committing violent crimes. By researching topics such as mental illnesses, the effects of child abuse, and alcohol/drug abuse, it may be possible to categorize possible future criminals. This newsletter will explore the root causes of violent crimes and the creation of a criminal, and specifically the relationship between mental illness and crimes. Perhaps most importantly it will investigate effective ways to prevent violent crimes before they actually occur. By: Carly Smith ountycrimestoppers.com/

Schizophrenia is a mental illness that causes individuals to experience hallucinations, typically of voices that are making fun of them or trying to control them. Often this causes extreme irritation and withdrawal from society. Although those with schizophrenia are generally calm and non-violent, there have been many studies on the correlation of this disease to crime (Mullen). Psychopaths have a mental disorder, in which a significant brain impairment limits their ability to empathize and feel other human emotions such as guilt. Although they lack the ability to feel, Psychopaths are very skilled at imitating normal human reactions. Because of this, psychopaths often seem very likeable, even charming to those around them. Those with Psychopathy also lack a conscience, and often have an inflated ego. Approximately 1% of the population is psychopathic, although shockingly, psychopaths comprise as much as 25% of the federal prison population (Kiehl and Buckholtz 22-24). Up to an estimated 18 million Americans may suffer from alcohol dependence. This disorder is more than just a craving for alcohol; it is actually a physical dependence on it m-life-get-your-handcuffs-ft-def-i.html content/uploads/2014/02/alcoholic.jpg Background Results After reviewing and analyzing all four academic journals and examining additional evidence provided by other sources, the data and evidence generally supports the hypothesis, suggesting that the potential for criminal behavior can to some extent be predicted. “Violence and Schizophrenia: Examining the Evidence” revealed the correlation of schizophrenia to crime, finding that 2% of males and a more striking 9% of females who had been arrested at least once, were diagnosed with schizophrenia. This relationship between mental illness and crime was supported in most sources, especially when combined with substance abuse (Walsh, Buchanan, Fahy). The journal that discussed child abuse revealed the long term consequences of abuse, with the potential to commit crime listed as one possible outcome (Currie, Tekan). Not surprisingly, “14% of all men in prison and 36% of women in prison in the USA were abused as children” ("National Child Abuse Statistics.").

Alcohol and drug substance abuse were found to be the strongest contributors in the creation of a criminal though. What was even more striking, was how the likelihood of mental illness and child abuse contributing to criminal behavior increased significantly when alcohol and drugs were involved. In fact, Greenfeld’s academic journal stated that 4 in 10 violent offenses involved the use of alcohol. The number of arrests involving alcohol are between 20%-41%, a shockingly large percentage (Greenfeld). The “Social Anatomy of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Violence” revealed additional social and economic influences to criminal behavior. Statistics are significant in suggesting that men are more likely to commit crime than woman, as well as those in a lower socioeconomic classes being more likely to commit crimes. The findings in this journal also revealed that the prevalence of criminal behavior also varies by ethnic groups: “The results show that the odds of violence are 85% higher for blacks compared to whites, whereas Latino violence is about 10% lower” ( Sampson, Morenoff, Raudenbush). Conclusion Violent crimes are now on the rise. The Federal Bureau of Investigation estimated that crime in 2012 went up by 7 percent (Psychopathy). But too often the focus of the blame is on easy access to the tools used to commit the crimes, rather than on the root causes of why the criminals actually commit the terror in the first place. The percentage of inmates living at prison that have a mental illness or substance abuse issues is deplorable, making it necessary to spread awareness and create more programs that may be able to decline these percentages of crime Works Cited Currie, Janet, and Erdal Tekan. "Understanding the Cycle Childhood Maltreatment and Future Crime." The Journal of Human Resources: Digital file Greenfield, Lawrence A. "Alcohol and Crime." Bureau of Justice Statistics: pdf file James, Doris S., and Lauren E. Glaze. "Mental Health Problems of Prison and Jail Inmates."Sept pdf file. Kiehl, Kent A., and Joshua W. Buckholtz. "Inside the Mind of the Psychopath."Scientific American Oct. 2010: Vanderbilt University. Web. 9 Oct Mulllen, Paul E. "Schizophrenia and violence: from correlations to preventive strategies." Advances in Psychiatric Treatment. The Royal College of Psychiatrists, Web. 26 Oct < 12/4/239.full>. "National Child Abuse Statistics." Childhelp. Childehelp, n.d. Web. 5 Nov Noll, Richard. The Encyclopedia of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders. 2nd ed. New York: Facts On File, Print. Sampson, Robert J., Jeffery D. Morenoff, and Stephen Raudenbush. "Social Anatomy of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Violence." American Journal of Public Health: n. pag. PDF file. Walsh, Elizabeth, Alec Buchanan, and Thomas Fahy. "Violence and schizophrenia: examining the evidence." The British Journal of Psychiatry: n. pag. Web. 5 Feb