Crime Trends and Crime Control Responses

A collection of vocabulary flashcards focused on key terms and concepts related to crime trends and crime control.

Salience of Crime

The significance or importance of crime within society and its impact on public perception.

Public Costs of Crime

Expenditures incurred by government entities for law enforcement, corrections, and court systems.

Crime Trends

Patterns, changes, and movements in crime rates over time.

Crime Control Policy

Strategies and measures implemented by governments to manage and reduce criminal activities.

Homicide Rate

The number of homicides per unit of population, often expressed per 100,000 people.

Violent Crime Clearance Rate

The percentage of reported violent crimes that law enforcement successfully solves.

Economic Impact of Crime

The effect of crime on economic stability, including losses to businesses and increased spending on security.

Fear of Crime

The anxiety or concern individuals have regarding becoming a victim of crime.

Youth Violence Epidemic

The significant increase in violent behaviors exhibited by youth, peaking in the early 1990s.

Great American Crime Decline

The substantial decrease in crime rates, particularly violent crime, observed in the USA from the mid-1990s onward.

Rising Costs of Policing

An increase in funding allocated to law enforcement agencies over time.

Retail Crime

Theft and robbery incidents occurring in retail environments.

Crack Cocaine Markets

Illegal trade and distribution of crack cocaine, often linked to violent crime trends.

Community Policing

A policing strategy focused on building relationships and partnerships with community members.

Social Indicators of Crime

Statistics that reflect the health and function of social institutions based on crime data.

Public Welfare Expenditures

Government spending aimed at supporting the health and well-being of its citizens.

Correlations in Crime Trends

Statistical relationships identified between changes in crime rates and external factors.

Imprisonment Rates

The number of prisoners per 100,000 population; often studied in relation to crime trends.

Policy Responses to Crime

Actions taken by government officials or agencies to address crime issues.

Arrest Rates

The frequency at which individuals are apprehended for committing crimes.

Impact of Economic Conditions on Crime

The influence of economic factors, such as unemployment and income levels, on crime rates.

Demographic Changes and Crime

The effect of shifts in population characteristics on crime prevalence.

Part I Offenses

Serious crimes, including homicide, aggravated assault, and robbery, reported in crime statistics.

Fear-Induced Behavior Changes

Alterations in daily life activities driven by the fear of crime.

Crime as a Social Outcome

The understanding that crime is influenced by various societal factors and changes, rather than fixed.

Public Sentiment on Crime

The collective feelings and perceptions of the populace regarding crime and safety.

Economic Models of Crime

Frameworks that analyze crime rates in relation to economic performance.

Law Enforcement Budgets

Financial allocations for police departments, including their operational costs.

Retail Crime Effects on Consumer Behavior

Influence of theft and crime in retail settings on consumer shopping habits.

Data Artifacts

Statistical anomalies or inaccuracies that may misrepresent crime trends.

Community Responses to Crime

Local measures taken by communities to combat crime and enhance safety.

Urban vs. Rural Crime Trends

Differences in crime rates and types of crime between urban and rural areas.

Violence against Businesses

Crimes targeting businesses, which have far-reaching effects on the local economy.

Child Involvement in Crime

The trend of increasing criminal behavior among minors.

Policing Challenges

The difficulties faced by law enforcement in effectively maintaining law and order.

Cohort Effects on Crime

The influence of specific demographic groups on crime rates over time.

Gun Violence Trends

Patterns and statistics related to crime involving firearms.

Court Processing of Crime Cases

The judicial system's approach to managing and adjudicating criminal cases.

Rising Incarceration Rates

An increase in the number of individuals imprisoned, often as a response to crime policy.

State and Local Government Expenditures

Financial allocations by governments at state and local levels, including for crime control.

Trends in Victimization

Patterns observed in who becomes victims of crime over a specified period.

Youth Criminality

The tendency for individuals in their youth to engage in criminal behavior.

Crime Prevention Strategies

Methods and actions taken to reduce opportunities for crime.

Law Enforcement Evolution

Changes and advancements in police strategies and practices over time.

Population Composition and Crime

The relationship between the demographic makeup of a population and crime trends.