NCJ Number
191401
Journal
American Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 25 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2001 Pages: 239-252
Editor(s)
William G. Doerner
Date Published
2001
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article examines criminal career research.
Abstract
Most serious crimes committed in the United States are perpetrated by a small number of people; these offenders make up 5 percent of the population. Therefore, a major debate in criminology is what causes an individual to become a career criminal. Some theorists believe that developmental factors and societal institutions play a significant role, while others believe the role of biology is crucial. This study compared extreme criminals such as murderers, rapists, and kidnappers to habitual offenders to determine whether or not this select group of offenders accumulated a hefty history of violent and property crimes, as well as an increase in felony convictions and served longer prison terms. Demographic characteristics of both extreme and habitual offenders were also taken into consideration. It was concluded that murderers, rapists, and kidnappers did in fact demonstrate a sustained involvement in all types of crime, violent or not. There were no significant differences between extreme and habitual offenders in terms of property crime arrests. Differences did emerge when felony convictions and prison terms were compared. For instance, murderers, rapists, and kidnappers did receive more convictions and served longer sentences than habitual offenders. In terms of demographic characteristics, extreme criminals were usually white or Hispanic males in their early forties. Both types of offenders began their criminal careers at an early age. According to the author, the criminal justice system should focus more on protecting citizens from these types of criminals, rather than focusing on theoretical speculation of what causes individuals to chose this particular path. Tables, references