In 2008, the total number of the juvenile arrests was 2.11 million. This represented a 3 % reduction of arrests recorded in 2007 (Puzzanchera, 2009). This positive trend came at the time when the nation was on the brink of juvenile crime threats. The country had recorded an increase in juvenile arrests from 2004 to 2006. Overall, 16% of juvenile arrests in 2008 were criminal offenses. This was 26% of the total criminal offense arrests recorded in the country. The number of juvenile arrests due to aggravated assault decreased among young males than among females. Male arrests were 22% against 17% for females (Puzzanchera, 2009).
In addition, the number of murder arrests among juvenile was 17% of the total juvenile arrests in 2008. This was an increase from the number recorded in 2004. However, it was 74% less than the number of similar arrests in 1993 (Puzzanchera, 2009). The rate of drug abuse offense arrests increased from 1990 to 1997. The arrest rate was 145 %. From 1997 to 2008, the arrest rate decreased by 28%. On the other hand, simple arrest rates increased in 2008. The author observes that the arrest rate for simple assault increased by 156% from 1980 to 1997. It slightly declined in 2002 before increasing again in 2006. The arrest rate for simple assault was 10% in the year 2008. This rate was below the rate recorded in the peak period in 1997. However, this rate was greater than the 1980 arrest rate.
The law enforcement agencies made a total of 629,800 arrests of the female juveniles in 2008. The statistics reveal that female juveniles accounted for 30% of the total juvenile arrests in 2008. According to Puzzanchera (2009), since 1999, the decrease in female juvenile arrests was less than the decrease in male arrests in some categories of crime. However, the number of female juveniles arrested from 1999 to 2008 with offenses related to simple assault such as larceny-theft and DIU increased as the male juvenile arrests decreased.
The bulletin also highlights disproportional involvement of racial groups in criminal offenses that occurred in 2008. Puzzanchera (2009) notes that the composition of the juvenile population aged between 10-17 years in the United States was 78%, 16%, 5%, and I % of white, black, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and American Indians respectively. Many black juveniles were involved in violent crimes in 2008. Puzzanchera (2009) explains that 47% of the violent crimes were committed by white juveniles. On the other hand, the Asian youth and American Indians accounted for 2% of the juvenile arrests for violent crimes in 2008. Furthermore, the white juveniles accounted for 65% of juvenile arrests associated with property crimes (burglary, motor vehicle theft, and larceny-theft). The black, Asian youth, and American Indian accounted for 33%, 3%, and 1% of the total property crimes in 2008. Finally, Puzzanchera narrates that in 2008, the black juveniles were overrepresented in the juvenile arrests.
One of the observations drawn from these statistics is the increase in the number of female juveniles involved in some categories of crime. This implies that the number female juvenile arrests will increase if proper interventions are not taken to prevent crimes committed by the young females. In addition, the statistics show that crime prevention interventions target the male juveniles more than the female juveniles. The statistics make another important observation that there exists a disproportional balance in the juvenile arrests of the United States. Although blacks account for only 16% of the juvenile population, they are heavily involved in criminal offenses more than any other racial group. This implies that a concerted effort should be instituted to reduce juvenile crime along racial lines through addressing the socioeconomic factors behind the problem.
The tracking of arrests among juveniles, which is presented in the bulletin, offers important methods in the measuring of criminal activities and trends in the United States. The assessment utilized data from law enforcing agencies to report the juvenile arrests in 2008. The trends reported in this bulletin are crucial in addressing disparities in the prevention of juvenile crime. At the same time, it provides a guide that can be used to combat juvenile delinquency and protect an American child.
Reference
Puzzanchera, C. (2009). Juvenile Arrests 2008. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Web.