1. Crime in America
Street Law
Chapter 7

2. Crime Something one does or fails to do that is in violation of a law
Behavior for which the government has set a penalty
Range of crime…

3. Crime Rates Influenced by location, age, gender
Higher in urban versus suburban areas
Higher in suburban versus rural areas
Individuals aged 15 – 24 commit more violent crime than any other group

4. Crime Rates, continued
Males commit almost four times as many crimes as females
Rate of female crime has increased
1/3 of crimes involve alcohol
Cost of crime has increased…

5. Textbook Problem Page 76 Figure 7.1 Problem 7.2
Crimes Reported and Arrests Made (2001)
Problem 7.2
Be prepared to answer letters a – d in class

6. Reasons for High Crime Rates
Poverty Permissive Courts Unemployment Lack of Education Abuse of alcohol and drugs Inadequate police protection Rising population Lack of parental guidance Breakdown of morals Ineffective correctional system Influence of television and films

7. Dealing with Crime Would tougher penalties curb crime?
Is the threat of going to prison really a deterrent for crime?
Would increasing the number of police officers help to reduce the crime rate?

8. One Solution: Community Policing
Strategy to build closer relations between the police and the communities they serve
Select communities are chosen to participate
Police on bikes or “walking the beat”
Police have more direct contact with residents
Residents can help with crime prevention

9. Textbook Problem Page 78 Figure 7.2 Problem 7.3 U.S. Crime Clock
Be prepared to answer letters a – c in class

10. Crime on College Campuses
Common crimes
Violent assaults, hate crimes, property crimes
Many involve alcohol
Forcible sex offenses are common
Often involve alcohol

11. Crime on College Campuses
Colleges/Universities are required to report campus crime
Lycoming College
estatistics.html

12. Strategies to Reduce Crime
Communities…
Criminal Justice System…
Police…
Corrections…
Policies…

13. Gangs & Crime