CJS Chapter 1 1-11

Is Crime a Recent Development?

• Crime in the U.S. has existed for over 200 years; the awareness and societal concern surrounding it have evolved with time.

• Many contend that crime appears to be escalating, primarily influenced by the media's focus on high-profile incidents that accentuate fears of crime.

• Historical analyses reveal that instances of violence and criminal activity were significantly higher in earlier decades compared to contemporary statistics, challenging the belief that crime rates continuously rise today.

• Public Perception vs. Reality:

  • Despite a gradual decline in crime rates over recent decades, public fear often outpaces actual statistics; for example, violent crime peaked in the early 1990s but has since demonstrated a consistent downward trend.

  • Studies suggest that misinformation and sensationalist reporting exacerbate the disconnect between public perception and reality, with many perceiving crime as more pervasive than it is currently.

Crime in the Old West

• The Old West era is characterized by a climate of lawlessness fueled by economic ambitions, particularly during the gold rushes that attracted many hopeful individuals seeking wealth.

• Notable Figures in Old West Crime:

  • John Wesley Hardin: Infamous for allegedly killing up to 30 men; his more violent persona reveals the brutal realities behind romanticized legends of the Old West.

  • Billy the Kid: Known for engaging in range wars, his violent life resulted in the deaths of potentially more than 20 individuals, illustrating the chaotic conditions common in frontier towns.

  • Jesse James: A historical outlaw often glamorized; however, numerous accounts depict his methods as more violent than romantic, marking him as a significant figure in the criminal history of America.

  • Gangs prevalent during this time often battled for territory and control, engaging in lethal confrontations and robberies that shaped the social fabric of communities in the West, creating an environment of fear and mistrust.

Crime in the Cities

• Cities, particularly in the post-Civil War era, faced mounting challenges including rampant gang violence, corruption, and the proliferation of organized crime syndicates.

• Gang Dynamics:

  • Groups like the Bowery Boys in New York City engaged in violent turf wars, reflecting broader social tensions and competition for control over illegal enterprises.

  • The historical period from 1900 to 1935 showcased notable criminals such as John Dillinger and Bonnie and Clyde, whose infamous exploits spotlighted significant urban crime trends and the responses of law enforcement to such challenges.

  • These urban criminal figures became cultural symbols of rebellion, posing challenges to societal norms and contributing to a growing public interest in crime and justice issues.

Creating Criminal Justice

• The formation of the first organized police agency in 1829 laid the groundwork for systematic law enforcement, eventually influencing policing models across the U.S.

• Evolution of Corrections:

  • The development of penitentiaries aimed to shift focus towards rehabilitation rather than mere punishment, indicating a response to evolving societal values that emphasized human rights.

• Early Advocacy Movements:

  • The Chicago Crime Commission, formed in 1919, aimed to shed light on organized crime issues, advocating for reform in law enforcement practices and policies.

  • The Wickersham Commission established in 1931 revealed critical flaws within the justice system, prompting calls for transparency and reform to improve public trust and accountability.

Federal Involvement

• The 1967 President’s Crime Commission was pivotal in addressing systemic challenges faced by law enforcement and crime prevention, proposing comprehensive reforms aimed at modernizing the justice system.

• Legislative Impact:

  • Initiatives such as the Safe Streets Act of 1968 secured federal funding to enhance local law enforcement’s capabilities, focusing on crime prevention and community safety.

  • The creation of agencies like the National Institute of Justice championed research-driven approaches that emphasized evidence-based practices in shaping effective crime control policies.

Evidence-Based Justice: A Scientific Evolution

• The contemporary shift in criminal justice emphasizes empirical research and data-driven decision-making processes to develop effective crime prevention and intervention strategies.

• Targeted Programs:

  • There's a notable focus on high-risk offenders to ensure effective resource allocation, contrasting with broader strategies that may overlook specific population needs.

• Success Metrics:

  • Longitudinal studies and evaluations are crucial to understanding program efficacy and sustainability, while the emphasis on cost-effective solutions speaks to the ongoing budgetary constraints faced by criminal justice agencies.