NCJ Number
101133
Date Published
1982
Length
38 pages
Annotation
The rising crime rate at every level of society has aroused citizen response, but still lacks a true solution.
Abstract
A look at crime statistics shows that crime has permeated all regions of the country and all levels of society. The epidemic spread of crime has created an aura of fear, frustration, and hopelessness. Almost every type of crime has increased in the past three decades. Gangs of professional criminals and more informal bands of youth contribute to increasing violence. Periodically, the Federal Government crusades against crime, inflating hopes that later are disillusioned. Violent crime is increasing. There has been a proliferation in the availability of handguns often used in violent crime. Drugs and drug trafficking are also major ingredients of violent crime. Organized crime has extended its scope beyond drug trafficking to numerous enterprises in which it uses violence, fear, and the threat of violence to operate. There are indications of ties between the underworld and key officials on every government level. White-collar crime, especially business and computer crime, is increasing. The bleak picture of crime has resulted in citizen arousal and an increase in efforts to deter, prevent, and prosecute crime through neighborhood watch programs, witness programs, education, and monitoring of the criminal justice system.