NCJ Number
72651
Date Published
1980
Length
572 pages
Annotation
This report assesses the current status of Federal statistical information systems on white-collar lawbreaking from a perspective of the social organization of information systems; the report concludes that problems in conceptualization, classification, and counting prevent the merging of information into statistical series.
Abstract
Problems of nonmenclature are addressed, especially the implications of both 'white collar' and 'crime.' White-Collar law violations are defined as those law violations to which penalties are attached and that involve the use of a violator's position of significant power, influence, or trust in the legitimate economic or political institutional order for the purpose of illegal gain, or to commit an illegal act for personal or organizational gain. This new definition separates social status from law violation and takes into account administrative and civil as well as criminal violations of law. The importance of theoretical as well as statistical models in social reporting is emphasized. Special attention is given to compliance and penalty law enforcement models in organizing statistical reporting on white-collar law violations. Major requirements for a uniform statistical reporting system on white-collar law violation are stipulated. Emphasis falls on the development of law enforcement indicators, including indicators of organization, as well as on persons as victims and violators and on events. The absence of indicators on sanctioning and on recidivism in white-collar lawbreaking is considered. Throughout the report attention is drawn to the importance of considering the development of indicators of white-collar law violation as part of the institutional organization of Federal statistical functions. Tables, figures, and approximately 150 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)