Law and Justice Chapter 7 Crime in America. The Nature of Crimes The Nature of Crimes Crime Crime Something one does or fails to do that is in violation

Law and JusticeLaw and JusticeChapter 7Chapter 7

Crime in AmericaCrime in America


The Nature of CrimesThe Nature of Crimes CrimeCrime

Something one does or fails to do that is in violation of a law or Something one does or fails to do that is in violation of a law or behavior for which a government has set a penaltybehavior for which a government has set a penalty

Crime has long been a problem in the U.S.Crime has long been a problem in the U.S. Crime rates are influenced by your location and genderCrime rates are influenced by your location and gender

Generally higher in urban areas vs. ruralGenerally higher in urban areas vs. rural Generally higher against women vs. menGenerally higher against women vs. men Violent crimes happen most often during the dayViolent crimes happen most often during the day

But… two-thirds of rapes occur at nightBut… two-thirds of rapes occur at night

Crime costs you moneyCrime costs you money Even if you aren’t the victim, the U.S. government spends over $150 Even if you aren’t the victim, the U.S. government spends over $150

billion a year fighting crime (your tax dollars)billion a year fighting crime (your tax dollars)

Suggested causes of crimeSuggested causes of crime Poverty – permissive courts – unemployment – lack of education Poverty – permissive courts – unemployment – lack of education

– abuse of alcohol and drugs – inadequate police protection – – abuse of alcohol and drugs – inadequate police protection – rising population – lack of parental guidance – breakdown in rising population – lack of parental guidance – breakdown in morals – ineffective correctional system – little chance of being morals – ineffective correctional system – little chance of being caught or punished – influence of TVcaught or punished – influence of TV


Family StabilityFamily Stability perhaps the most telling reason behind crimeperhaps the most telling reason behind crime Stable families raise stable children – children with the guidance and Stable families raise stable children – children with the guidance and

support to make correct choicessupport to make correct choices Would tougher penalties curb the crime rate?Would tougher penalties curb the crime rate?

U.S. has some of the toughest criminal lawsU.S. has some of the toughest criminal laws U.S. has the highest incarceration rate of any industrialized nationU.S. has the highest incarceration rate of any industrialized nation U.S. has the highest crime rate of any industrialized nationU.S. has the highest crime rate of any industrialized nation

Community Policing may be an answerCommunity Policing may be an answer Neighborhoods who have more direct contact with police tend to be Neighborhoods who have more direct contact with police tend to be

safersafer Citizens have to be willing to help law enforcementCitizens have to be willing to help law enforcement

Crime on CampusCrime on Campus Both college and high schoolBoth college and high school In 2000 – students 12 – 18 years old experienced nearly 2 million In 2000 – students 12 – 18 years old experienced nearly 2 million

incidents of violent and property crimeincidents of violent and property crime About 128,000 included rape, sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated About 128,000 included rape, sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated

assaultassault Remember most crimes go UNREPORTED Remember most crimes go UNREPORTED


Crime on Campus (contd.)Crime on Campus (contd.) 2001 survey2001 survey

10% of male H.S. students reported carrying a gun to school10% of male H.S. students reported carrying a gun to school 3% of female students reported the same3% of female students reported the same 33% of students reported that drugs were available to them at 33% of students reported that drugs were available to them at

schoolschool 72% reported that they had participated in or seen someone being 72% reported that they had participated in or seen someone being

bulliedbullied College campusesCollege campuses

In 2000, the following were “reported”In 2000, the following were “reported” 20 murders20 murders 1,858 forcible sex offenses1,858 forcible sex offenses 1,933 robberies1,933 robberies 3,644 aggravated assaults3,644 aggravated assaults 26,543 burglaries26,543 burglaries 5,792 motor vehicle thefts5,792 motor vehicle thefts

Many crimes are not reported outside the campus for fear of lowered Many crimes are not reported outside the campus for fear of lowered student applicationsstudent applications


National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD)National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) The NCCD has been studying criminal justice since 1907 and The NCCD has been studying criminal justice since 1907 and

recommends the following for reducing crimerecommends the following for reducing crime Build safer communities with special attention to safe schools, after Build safer communities with special attention to safe schools, after

school programs, community policing, and prevention of domestic school programs, community policing, and prevention of domestic violence and child abuse.violence and child abuse.

Reduce the costs and improve the fairness of the criminal justice Reduce the costs and improve the fairness of the criminal justice systemsystem

Develop cost-effective alternatives to incarceration, reserving prison Develop cost-effective alternatives to incarceration, reserving prison sentences for those who cannot be treated safely in the communitysentences for those who cannot be treated safely in the community

Create effective drug control policies. Reduce funds spent on Create effective drug control policies. Reduce funds spent on catching drug sellers and users; expand funding for drug treatment catching drug sellers and users; expand funding for drug treatment and job training; and repeal laws requiring mandatory prison and job training; and repeal laws requiring mandatory prison sentences for drug possession.sentences for drug possession.

It all sounds good, but how should it be implemented?It all sounds good, but how should it be implemented?


Gangs and CrimeGangs and Crime HistoryHistory

At one time, violent gangs only operated in the largest cities of At one time, violent gangs only operated in the largest cities of the U.S.the U.S.

Gangs are now active in cities and towns of all sizesGangs are now active in cities and towns of all sizes Nearly all cities with populations higher than 200,000 report Nearly all cities with populations higher than 200,000 report

having gang problemshaving gang problems 20% of all students aged 12-18 reported that street gangs were 20% of all students aged 12-18 reported that street gangs were

present at schoolpresent at school One reason gangs have spread is the lure of profits from selling One reason gangs have spread is the lure of profits from selling

illegal drugsillegal drugs Most experts believe that there are now several thousand youth Most experts believe that there are now several thousand youth

gangs and several hundred thousand gang membersgangs and several hundred thousand gang members


What are gangs?What are gangs? For our discussionFor our discussion

gangs are people who form groups closed to the general public, gangs are people who form groups closed to the general public, for certain common business or nonprofit purposes that may for certain common business or nonprofit purposes that may include violent criminal activityinclude violent criminal activity

Gangs are not newGangs are not new In the 19In the 19thth century gangs existed in many American century gangs existed in many American

neighborhoodsneighborhoods Usually adult membersUsually adult members Organized along ethnic linesOrganized along ethnic lines Had names, rules, and initiation ritualsHad names, rules, and initiation rituals Identified by emblems and distinctive ways of dressingIdentified by emblems and distinctive ways of dressing

These early gangs were interested in protecting turf, reputation These early gangs were interested in protecting turf, reputation and cultural heritageand cultural heritage

Not all of these gangs engaged in criminal activityNot all of these gangs engaged in criminal activity Neither do all gangs todayNeither do all gangs today

Some gangs perform community work and operate job-training Some gangs perform community work and operate job-training and other funded programsand other funded programs

These are not the gangs that contribute to the crime problemThese are not the gangs that contribute to the crime problem


Today’s gangs (the not so nice ones)Today’s gangs (the not so nice ones) Members rage in age from young children to middle-aged adultsMembers rage in age from young children to middle-aged adults Operate with much more sophisticated organizational structuresOperate with much more sophisticated organizational structures Many focus on drug trafficking, firearm sales, auto theft, Many focus on drug trafficking, firearm sales, auto theft,

prostitution, and other criminal activityprostitution, and other criminal activity Others use group-orientated violence to defend racist or sexist Others use group-orientated violence to defend racist or sexist

beliefsbeliefs Gangs often associate themselves with one of several major Gangs often associate themselves with one of several major

gang “nations”gang “nations” Gangs identify themselves with symbols, emblems, colors, Gangs identify themselves with symbols, emblems, colors,

phrases, clothing and use graffiti to mark or ‘tag’ their territoryphrases, clothing and use graffiti to mark or ‘tag’ their territory People who join usually have some sort of initiationPeople who join usually have some sort of initiation

Committing a crimeCommitting a crime Robbery, selling drugs, drive by shooting, Robbery, selling drugs, drive by shooting,

Being beatenBeing beaten Or for females – having sex with multiple members of the gangOr for females – having sex with multiple members of the gang

It is not uncommon to do another task like these to leave the It is not uncommon to do another task like these to leave the ganggang


Who joins gangs and why?Who joins gangs and why? GenderGender

Most gang members are male, however female membership is Most gang members are male, however female membership is risingrising

PovertyPoverty School failureSchool failure Substance abuseSubstance abuse Family dysfunctionFamily dysfunction Domestic and community violenceDomestic and community violence Low self esteemLow self esteem Peer pressure to do soPeer pressure to do so

How can the gang problem be solved?How can the gang problem be solved? Experts say that you need to prevent young people from Experts say that you need to prevent young people from

becoming involvedbecoming involved


Communities that are successful against gangs take the Communities that are successful against gangs take the following actionsfollowing actions

Operate outreach and intervention programs that help gang Operate outreach and intervention programs that help gang members and potential members become involved in positive members and potential members become involved in positive non-gang activitiesnon-gang activities

Provide greater alternatives for young people including athletics, Provide greater alternatives for young people including athletics, clubs, school tutoring and job trainingclubs, school tutoring and job training

Increase the awareness of the community and develop Increase the awareness of the community and develop opportunities for young peopleopportunities for young people

Organize prevention strategies in which law enforcement and Organize prevention strategies in which law enforcement and the community identifies gang members and ‘wanna-bes” and the community identifies gang members and ‘wanna-bes” and places them in anti gang membership programsplaces them in anti gang membership programs

Prosecute gang members for illegal activityProsecute gang members for illegal activity Organize neighborhood watch programs that remove graffiti and Organize neighborhood watch programs that remove graffiti and

make it difficult for gangs to establish a presence or intimidate make it difficult for gangs to establish a presence or intimidate residentsresidents


Guns and the LawGuns and the Law Most Americans who own firearms own them legally and use Most Americans who own firearms own them legally and use

them lawfullythem lawfully However, guns are often used in violent crimesHowever, guns are often used in violent crimes Efforts (or lack of efforts) by the government to control them is Efforts (or lack of efforts) by the government to control them is

very controversialvery controversial The 2The 2ndnd Amendment Amendment

ProtectionProtection Some groups look to the 2Some groups look to the 2ndnd Amendment as a protector of their Amendment as a protector of their

‘right to bear arms’‘right to bear arms’ DisagreementsDisagreements

Other groups claim that the 2Other groups claim that the 2ndnd Amendment protects a STATE’S Amendment protects a STATE’S RIGHT to maintain a militia or armed forces – not protect citizens RIGHT to maintain a militia or armed forces – not protect citizens against legislationagainst legislation

U.S. Supreme CourtU.S. Supreme Court Have ruled that the amendment guarantees a state’s right to Have ruled that the amendment guarantees a state’s right to

maintain a militiamaintain a militia They have not used the 2They have not used the 2ndnd Amendment to strike down any gun Amendment to strike down any gun

control lawcontrol law


Gun Control Act of 1968Gun Control Act of 1968 Primary gun control law in America todayPrimary gun control law in America today Passed after the murders of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Passed after the murders of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and

Robert KennedyRobert Kennedy The law does the followingThe law does the following

Prohibits convicted felons, minors, and illegal aliens from Prohibits convicted felons, minors, and illegal aliens from purchasing or possessing weaponspurchasing or possessing weapons

Requires serial numbers on all gunsRequires serial numbers on all guns establishes a licensing fee schedule for firearms manufacturers, establishes a licensing fee schedule for firearms manufacturers,

importers and dealersimporters and dealers Prohibits mail order sale of firearms and ammunitionProhibits mail order sale of firearms and ammunition Prohibits the interstate sale of handgunsProhibits the interstate sale of handguns

In 1993 Congress amended the act with the Brady ActIn 1993 Congress amended the act with the Brady Act Required the Attorney General to make a national system to Required the Attorney General to make a national system to

instantly check the background of individuals wanting to buy instantly check the background of individuals wanting to buy gunsguns

Many states have their own lawsMany states have their own laws Training, test or other requirement before purchaseTraining, test or other requirement before purchase


Substance Abuse and CrimeSubstance Abuse and Crime The term substance abuse came into use in recent yearsThe term substance abuse came into use in recent years Termed to mean excessive use of any mind or body altering Termed to mean excessive use of any mind or body altering

chemicalchemical AlcoholAlcohol

Most widely abused substance in the U.S.Most widely abused substance in the U.S. Why?Why?

Because it is socially acceptableBecause it is socially acceptable Alcohol Abuse is detrimental to societyAlcohol Abuse is detrimental to society

Contributes to the poor functioning of familiesContributes to the poor functioning of families Contributes to spousal and child abuseContributes to spousal and child abuse Annual cost to society is estimated at $150 billion yearlyAnnual cost to society is estimated at $150 billion yearly

Violent CrimeViolent Crime 2001 Dept. of Justice study – alcohol involved in 35% of violent crime2001 Dept. of Justice study – alcohol involved in 35% of violent crime

66% of domestic violence victims reported alcohol was a factor66% of domestic violence victims reported alcohol was a factor


DUIDUI Driving Under the InfluenceDriving Under the Influence Refers to the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)Refers to the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) BAC indicates the grams per deciliter (g/dl) of alcohol in the bloodBAC indicates the grams per deciliter (g/dl) of alcohol in the blood BAC can be determined by breath, urine, or bloodBAC can be determined by breath, urine, or blood Although legal BAC levels vary by state a person is generally:Although legal BAC levels vary by state a person is generally:

Considered impaired from 0.01g/dl to 0.09g/dlConsidered impaired from 0.01g/dl to 0.09g/dl Considered intoxicated at 0.10g/dl or greaterConsidered intoxicated at 0.10g/dl or greater ND is 0.08g/dlND is 0.08g/dl

Penalties for DUIPenalties for DUI Monetary fineMonetary fine Enrollment in a DUI classEnrollment in a DUI class Community serviceCommunity service License suspended or revokedLicense suspended or revoked Jail sentenceJail sentence

Implied ConsentImplied Consent Law that states when you accept a drivers license you have already Law that states when you accept a drivers license you have already

consented to being given a BAC testconsented to being given a BAC test


DUI (contd.)DUI (contd.) But I feel fine…..But I feel fine…..

Maybe so, that is Alcohol’s job – to make you feel fine, but look at Maybe so, that is Alcohol’s job – to make you feel fine, but look at the sciencethe science

You cannot alter your bodies ability to take alcohol out of your You cannot alter your bodies ability to take alcohol out of your system, only time cansystem, only time can

The amount of blood in your system is determined by your size, and The amount of blood in your system is determined by your size, and is a percentage of your total weight.is a percentage of your total weight.

So lets look at two average peopleSo lets look at two average peopleMale – 150 lbsMale – 150 lbs

1 drink in 1 hour = 0.013g/dl1 drink in 1 hour = 0.013g/dl2 drinks in 1 hour = 0.039g/dl2 drinks in 1 hour = 0.039g/dl3 drinks in 1 hour = 0.065g/dl3 drinks in 1 hour = 0.065g/dl 4 drinks in 1 hour = 0.091g/dl4 drinks in 1 hour = 0.091g/dl1 drink in 2 hours = 0.001g/dl1 drink in 2 hours = 0.001g/dl 2 drinks in 2 hours = 0.027g/dl2 drinks in 2 hours = 0.027g/dl3 drinks in 2 hours = 0.053g/dl3 drinks in 2 hours = 0.053g/dl4 drinks in 2 hours = 0.080g/dl4 drinks in 2 hours = 0.080g/dl

Female – 120 lbsFemale – 120 lbs

1 drink in 1 hour = 0.026g/dl1 drink in 1 hour = 0.026g/dl2 drinks in 1 hour = 0.064g/dl2 drinks in 1 hour = 0.064g/dl3 drinks in 1 hour = 0.102g/dl3 drinks in 1 hour = 0.102g/dl 1 drink in 2 hours = 0.014g/dl1 drink in 2 hours = 0.014g/dl 2 drinks in 2 hours = 0.052g/dl2 drinks in 2 hours = 0.052g/dl3 drinks in 2 hours = 0.090g/dl3 drinks in 2 hours = 0.090g/dl

Women reach higher BACs faster because they have less water in their bodies Women reach higher BACs faster because they have less water in their bodies and more adipose tissue (fat), which is not easily penetrated by alcohol. A man and more adipose tissue (fat), which is not easily penetrated by alcohol. A man and a woman, with all other factors being equal, both drinking the same amount and a woman, with all other factors being equal, both drinking the same amount of alcohol, will have different BAC levels. Hers will be higher.of alcohol, will have different BAC levels. Hers will be higher.


DrugsDrugs Between 50 and 75% of all persons taken into criminal Between 50 and 75% of all persons taken into criminal

custody test positive for one or more drugs at the time of custody test positive for one or more drugs at the time of their arresttheir arrest

Trends are difficult to determineTrends are difficult to determine Some cities have outbreaks of crack cocaine, while others see a Some cities have outbreaks of crack cocaine, while others see a

rise in the use of marijuana, heroin, or methamphetaminesrise in the use of marijuana, heroin, or methamphetamines Some studies show a substantial increase in violence where crack Some studies show a substantial increase in violence where crack

cocaine is a problemcocaine is a problem

Most illegal drugs are highly addictive and can disrupt the life Most illegal drugs are highly addictive and can disrupt the life of the userof the user

The Federal Drug Law divides drugs into five groups The Federal Drug Law divides drugs into five groups depending on medical use (if any), potential for abuse, and depending on medical use (if any), potential for abuse, and capability to create physical or psychological addictioncapability to create physical or psychological addiction


Schedule I drugsSchedule I drugs Sentences for first-time, non-violent offenders convicted of trafficking in Sentences for first-time, non-violent offenders convicted of trafficking in

Schedule I drugs can easily turn into de facto life sentences when multiple Schedule I drugs can easily turn into de facto life sentences when multiple sales are prosecuted in one proceeding. Sentences for violent offenders sales are prosecuted in one proceeding. Sentences for violent offenders are much higher.are much higher.

Cannabis, heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide, mescaline, peyote, Cannabis, heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide, mescaline, peyote, PsilocybinPsilocybin

Schedule II drugsSchedule II drugs These drugs are only available by prescription. Prescription is limited to 30 These drugs are only available by prescription. Prescription is limited to 30

days worth of doses, exceptions are made for cancer patients, burn days worth of doses, exceptions are made for cancer patients, burn victims, etc. No refills are allowed.victims, etc. No refills are allowed.

Cocaine, methylphenidate, morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, Cocaine, methylphenidate, morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, phencycladinephencycladine

Schedule III drugsSchedule III drugs These drugs are available only by prescription. Prescriptions for Schedule These drugs are available only by prescription. Prescriptions for Schedule

III drugs may be refilled up to five times within a six month periodIII drugs may be refilled up to five times within a six month period

Anabolic steroids, ketamine, tylenol3Anabolic steroids, ketamine, tylenol3 Schedule IV drugsSchedule IV drugs

Control measures are similar to Schedule III. Prescriptions for Schedule IV Control measures are similar to Schedule III. Prescriptions for Schedule IV drugs may be refilled up to five times within a six month period.drugs may be refilled up to five times within a six month period.

Sleep aids like Ambien, minor pain meds like DarvocetSleep aids like Ambien, minor pain meds like Darvocet


Schedule V drugsSchedule V drugs Schedule V drugs are only available for a medical purpose.Schedule V drugs are only available for a medical purpose.

Cough suppressants, nasal decongestants, other OTC drugsCough suppressants, nasal decongestants, other OTC drugs

Hypocritical?Hypocritical? Many people call the federal drug act a hypocrisyMany people call the federal drug act a hypocrisy

Restricting drugs while allowing the sale of alcohol and tobaccoRestricting drugs while allowing the sale of alcohol and tobacco Both of which cause more deaths per year than all illegal drugs Both of which cause more deaths per year than all illegal drugs

combinedcombined

Victims of CrimeVictims of Crime Found everywhereFound everywhere

Young, old, male, female, rich, poor, all ethnic groupsYoung, old, male, female, rich, poor, all ethnic groups 24 million victims ages 12 and over per year24 million victims ages 12 and over per year

Help for VictimsHelp for Victims From courts in the form of restitutionFrom courts in the form of restitution From advocacy groups like MADD, SADD, From advocacy groups like MADD, SADD,


Preventing and Reporting CrimePreventing and Reporting Crime What can you do?What can you do?

Report suspicious activity to the police. The police cannot help Report suspicious activity to the police. The police cannot help you if you don’t call themyou if you don’t call them

Always lock doors and windows.Always lock doors and windows. Cancel mail and newspapers when on vacation.Cancel mail and newspapers when on vacation. Be alert in high crime areas – deserted streets, parking lotsBe alert in high crime areas – deserted streets, parking lots Use the buddy systemUse the buddy system Do not flash money in publicDo not flash money in public Call the police if you witness a crimeCall the police if you witness a crime Try to provide the police with as much info as possibleTry to provide the police with as much info as possible

Write down details and a description of the suspectWrite down details and a description of the suspect Do your duty – testify if neededDo your duty – testify if needed


If you become a victimIf you become a victim What to do?What to do?

You have two choices – Fight Back or Give InYou have two choices – Fight Back or Give In If you fight back, be prepared to risk injuryIf you fight back, be prepared to risk injury

If the assailant has a weapon expect them to use itIf the assailant has a weapon expect them to use it Know your limitationsKnow your limitations

Not everyone has the strength, size or knowledge to fight back Not everyone has the strength, size or knowledge to fight back effectivelyeffectively

Make a lot of noiseMake a lot of noise Criminals hate audiencesCriminals hate audiences

Call the police as soon as you canCall the police as soon as you can Don’t give the criminal time to get awayDon’t give the criminal time to get away

Help for victimsHelp for victims Many government agencies have programs to assist survivors of Many government agencies have programs to assist survivors of

violent crimeviolent crime National Center for Victims of Crime – National Center for Victims of Crime – www.ncvc.org Office for Victims of Crime – Office for Victims of Crime – www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc

Documents

Law and Justice Chapter 7 Crime in America. The Nature of Crimes The Nature of Crimes Crime Crime Something one does or fails to do that is in violation