Crime Rate Factors
Introduction
A number of social and environmental factors have been theorized to influence the national crime rate. The factors which I believe have the most influence on the crime rate are economics, advances in technology, selective law enforcement, availability of illegal narcotics, and availability of opportunities to commit crimes. There are other factors that have been attributed to have effects of the crime rate in which I believe have little impact on the crime rate.
The Economic Factor
The most significant factor that influences the national crime rate is the state of the national economy. As evidence, the crime rate rose sharply after the onset of the great depression, which was the most significant decline in U.S. economic conditions. The crime rate also showed a steady decline during the economic boom during the late 1990’s (“Crime in the United States”, 2002).
There are a few explanations for this trend. Siegel, Senna (2005) state “It seems logical that when the economy turns downward people, especially those who are unemployed, will become motivated to commit theft crimes.” I also believe that human psychology plays a factor – as when times are bad, latent feelings of anger and depression may surface and cause typically law abiding systems to act outside of their conscience.
Advances in technology can also cause the crime rate to decline. Technology has recently brought innovations in DNA testing and other investigative technologies now being used by law enforcement. Such technology can be a deterrent to criminals, who fear getting caught and prosecuted.
Advances in medical technology have also affected murder rates as victims now have a greater likelihood of surviving violent attacks. Siegel, Senna (2005) state “Looking back more than 40 years, they found that the aggravated assault rate has increased at a higher pace then the murder rate, in fact they attribute (this) to the decrease in morality of violence victims in hospital emergency rooms.”
Selective Law Enforcement
Public opinion and available resources can have an effect on the enforcement of laws. For example the use of the “soft drug” marijuana is tolerated in some parts of the United States, even though use of the drug is forbidden by federal law. In fact the Supreme Court has recently reached a decision to reaffirm the use of marijuana for medical purposes is unlawful. In states such as Oregon and California where public opinion tolerates the use of marijuana, law enforcement is less likely to make arrests especially given extenuating circumstances like the presence of medical conditions. This is an example of how society influences the decisions of law enforcement. An absence of enforcement or “selective enforcement” directly affects the crime rate.
Availability of Illegal Narcotics
The availability and use of illegal narcotics such as cocaine and methamphetamines, has a direct impact on criminal activities. Drug addiction can be directly attributed to increased property crimes. According the Bureau of Justice Statistics Website, “In 1997, 19% of State prisoners and 16% of Federal inmates said they committed their current offense to obtain money for drugs. These percentages represent a slight increase from 1991, when 17% of State and 10% of Federal prisoners identified drug money as a motive for their current offense.”
There is also a long history of crime associated with the illegal distribution of addictive substances. In the early 20th century laws were passed in the United States prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages known as prohibition. There was a marked increase in crime associated with the illegal distribution of alcohol, mostly by large organized crime operations. Crime rates in modern times are likewise influenced by drug cartels and other organized crime operations associated with the distribution of illegal drugs.
Criminal Opportunities
I have often heard the phrase “A crime of opportunity”. Indeed, it is simple math that the more opportunity that is presented, the more criminals will act on that opportunity, and the greater the crime rate will be.
Natural Disasters and Emergencies
Natural disasters and emergencies such as the 9-11 attacks can have a minor impact on crime rates. As an example on September 11th, 2001, I was a passenger onboard a 9 AM flight from South Bend, Indiana to Detroit, Michigan. During my flight the terrorist attacks on New York City, and the Pentagon occurred. I was scheduled to fly from Detroit to Raleigh, North Carolina.
Political Arguments
Explanation of crime rate increases has also been attributed to arguments of moral values, gun control issues, and other hot topics. Such studies are often conducted by organizations with an agenda such as to end abortion, to restrict the sale of weapons, or to promote a particular religion as a solution to social problems like crime. It is not my intention in this essay to offer support or deny those claims. However, one should consider the source and evaluate all given factors that have an impact on the crime rate.
Conclusion
There are many schools of thought as to explanations for increases and decreases in the crime rate. The best evidence is obtained from surveys and interviews from the offenders themselves and other sources of unbiased data.
Additionally, it is important to understand the factors behind the crime rate to know how to effectively prevent crime from occurring. Knowledge has power.
APA Citation:
Smith, Nathan. M. (2005). Crime Rate Factors.
Retrieved September 8, 2008, from http://www.computer-forensic-technician.com/wordpress/crime-rate-factors/.
