NCJ Number
107084
Journal
Justice Quarterly Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1987) Pages: 311-323
Date Published
1987
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Past research has shown a strong link between alcohol and crime. In this study we examine the relationship between local alcohol ordinances and UCR crime rates for cities within the State of Tennessee.
Abstract
To assess adequately the actual relationship between crime and our alcohol availability measures, we included in the analysis a number of socioeconomic and demographic variables commonly associated with high crime rates. The results of this study strongly suggest that race, poverty, population size, and age composition provide the 'best explanation' for variations in the level of criminal activity. Our findings support the hypothesis that social disorganization caused by numerous factors (especially racial and economic inequality) contribute strongly to a community's crime rate. The alcohol-related variables contribute to our understanding of the crime problems, but their impact is secondary and probably ancillary, once we have accounted for the influence of our demographic and socioeconomic variables. (Publisher abstract)