This report aims to describe the changes in crime patterns, which took place during the period between 2008 and 2009. At first, we need to describe these changes by quantitative methods. This can be done in table format.
The most noticeable trend is the sharp increase in violent crime. In 2008, the total number of violent crimes (homicides, forcible rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults) was one hundred and seventy eight. In 2009 we have registered two hundred and thirty four violent felonies in this jurisdiction. Thus, we can speak about a 24 % percent increase. The only exception was the number of forcible rapes; in this case, we can observe a minor decline. Furthermore, it should be noted that the level of non-violent crime remains relatively unchanged.
Statistical information is not always sufficient for the analysis of crime trend. In order to get a more comprehensive picture of a crime pattern, we need to know the age, sex and even ethnical belonging of both victim and perpetrator. This information is particularly relevant if we are speaking about violent felonies as in some cases, violence could be triggered by the person’s racial or ethnic prejudices. Moreover, we need to know when and where the crime took place. This information is crucial for data mining and crime mapping. Apart from that, we need to determine whether these violent acts were committed at home, in school, in the street or in some other environment.
As it has been mentioned before, the number of non-violent crimes (larcenies and motor vehicle thefts) remains relatively unchanged. There is only a small increase in the number of larcenies.
Such offences as burglaries require in-depth examination, because they can be either violent or non-violent crimes. This is why a criminal analyst should delve into the circumstances of each case. It should be borne in mind that burglaries can be of several types: theft, vandalism, violent assault or even rape (Mawby 2008, p 3). In the majority of cases, burglary is only a preliminary step and we need to identify its purpose. According to statistical data, the total amount of burglaries has grown at 9,5 percent but at this moment we know nothing about the nature of these offences.
Again, we need to pay close attention to time and location, as the knowledge of these things can be instrumental for the prevention of crime. While analyzing these crimes, a researcher should take a tactical approach because it focuses on the strategies, which help to prevent these crimes or at least minimize their effects.
On the whole, the crimes, which we have enumerated in this report, can be divided into two large groups: violent and non-violent offences. According to the classification, established by the US law enforcement agencies, they can be regarded as Part 1 and Part 2 crimes. The first category includes such felonies as homicide, rape, arson, whereas the second category encompasses fraud, vandalism (Gaines & Miller 2006, p 73). The difference between these types of crime lies mostly in the degree of victimization. Nonetheless, we need to mention that there are marginal crimes, which can belong to both groups; one of them is burglary, especially when we are dealing with car burglaries.
Reference List
Gaines L. & Miller R. (2006) Criminal Justice in Action. NY: Cengage Learning.
International Association of Crime Analysts. (2004). Exploring crime analysis: readings on essential skills. BookSurge.
Mawby. R. (2007) Burglary. NY: Ashgate.