Criminology Chapter 2

When does population data date back to?

Roman times.

When were censuses known to be taken historically?

During New Testament times.

When did statistics-based censuses begin?

Roughly 200 years ago.

What is the “Thermic Law” by Quételet?

The theory that morality (and crime) undergoes seasonal variation.

What did the “statistical school” of thought lead to?

The development of sociological criminology and ecological schools.

What do crime statistics describe?

The nature and extent of crime.

What is one academic use of crime statistics?

To support criminological theory development.

How do crime stats help in society?

They assist with social policy and program evaluation.

What do crime stats provide about risk?

A picture of criminal risk in different populations or areas.

How do crime stats assist in crime prevention?

Through strategies like Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

Where does crime tend to occur more frequently?

In areas of higher criminal opportunity, such as high-poverty areas.

What does the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey (UCR) do?

Collects annual crime stats from police-reported crimes via CCJS.

What are some CCJS subtopics?

Crimes and offences, law enforcement, correctional services, youth justice, victimization, legal aid, and more.

What kind of info does the revised UCR collect about victims?

Age, sex, relationship to accused, injury level, weapon, drug/alcohol involvement.

What is a major shortcoming of UCR data?

It doesn't include unreported crimes (e.g. sexual assault).

What is the Crime Severity Index?

A weighted measure of crime, giving more weight to serious offences.

What is a founded offence?

A crime confirmed through investigation.

What does "cleared by charge" mean?

Case is closed and suspect is charged.

What does "cleared otherwise" mean?

There isn’t enough evidence to lay a charge.

What is an unfounded offence?

A reported crime determined to have not occurred.

What is the "dark figure of crime"?

Crime that goes unreported or underreported.

What did the 1981 Canadian Urban Victimization Survey reveal?

Only 42% of victimizations were reported to police.

What is the General Social Survey (GSS)?

A survey every 5 years, collects detailed info on victimization and demographics.

What was unique about the 1993 Violence Against Women Survey?

It focused on physical and sexual violence experienced by women (18+) before age 16.

What is the GSS 2019 based on?

Phone interviews with 22,412 Canadians, focused on safety and victimization.

What are key risk factors for violent victimization in GSS 2019?

Youth, being a woman, homelessness, abuse, social disorder, and drug use.

Who had the highest victimization rates in 2019 GSS?

Women with disabilities (184 per 1000), Indigenous peoples, and marijuana users.

What were the most common types of violent victimization in GSS 2019?

Sexual assault, robbery, and physical assault.

What was the reporting rate to police from GSS 2019?

29% of violent victimizations were reported.

What is a shortcoming of victimization surveys?

Memory issues, exaggeration, overreporting, and unverifiable responses.

What is the formula to calculate crime rate?

(# of crimes ÷ total population) × 100,000.

What caused the surge in crime in 1991?

Crack epidemic, economic struggles, gang activity, firearm access, urban decay, and demographic shifts.

What age group commits the most crimes?

Younger individuals.

Which group is overrepresented in crime statistics?

Indigenous Canadians.

What percentage of federal offenders were Indigenous in 2017–18?

24%.

What gender commits most crimes?

Males.

What social class is most associated with crime?

Lower socioeconomic class, though people from all classes commit crime.

How is social class measured in criminology?

By employment and education levels.