Mathematics forms an indispensable part of the criminal justice system. It is of invaluable help in the effective conduction of thorough investigation. Criminal justice is driven by the twin processes of reflection and action. In this context, the process of reflection involves collection and correct interpretation of the statistical data which helps in identifying the nature and probability of the crime (Caldwell, 2009). The use of mathematics in the form of statistical analysis and interpretation is profound in all the three parts of the criminal justice system- “law enforcement (police), adjudication (courts) and corrections (jails, prisons, probations and parole)” (Caldwell, 2009). This can be substantiated with the help of the following examples.
Law enforcement officials are looked upon as the custodians of social justice. However, from 1988 onwards, “nearly 700 law enforcement officers… have been slain in the line of duty, another 629 have been killed in duty-related accidents, and over 600,000 officers have been assaulted” (DeSarno, 1998). This statistical inference helps us realize the fact that security of the law enforcement personnel in the US remains a matter of serious concern.
A study of tables 2 and 3 under the ‘WEAPONS USED’ (DeSarno, 1998) section available at the above site gives us an interesting insight into the types of weapons used in the felonious killing of the police officers during the period 1988-1997. These tables reveal that firearms in the form of handgun, rifle and shotgun have claimed more lives than other weapons. In fact, handgun accounts for nearly 78% of the firearms used. During the period 1988-1997, the highest number of killings have been recorded in the year 1994 with firearms used in all the cases except one. Furthermore, the more populous areas of USA have recorded greater acts of felony than the less populated ones.
Table 5.62 “Type of offense in cases disposed by juvenile courts” (Albany.edu 2002) from the Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics provides a comprehensive view of the different characteristics of the juvenile offenders. “These data are national estimates of juvenile delinquency cases handled in 2000 by U.S courts with juvenile jurisdiction” (Albany.edu 2002).
According to the data available, there has been maximum occurrence of property related cases like burglary, vandalism etc. whereas cases related to drug abuse have been comparatively less. Moreover, it also reveals that children in the age group of 11 years and younger are more susceptible to the acts of juvenile delinquency (Caldwell 2009). As regards correctional measures, the data table “Adult correctional population trends” (DeSarno 1998) made available by the Bureau of Justice Statistics reveals the number of adults under various correctional supervisions over the period 1980-2008.
Although the data represents a steady increase in the number of correctional population, there has been a marked increase in the number of probationers. “These data include adults under the jurisdiction of probation agency, regardless of supervision status” (BJS, 2010). The increase in the number of probationers may be largely attributed to the conscious endeavors on the part of the criminal justice system to intensify the corrective measures to bring about wider social acceptance.
Reduction in the occurrence of crime and its effective mitigation form an important aspect of the criminal justice system. The realization of these goals requires extensive research and statistical analysis so that appropriate preventive measures may be adopted with the collaborative efforts of the law enforcement officials, courts as well as correctional agencies (Caldwell, 2009).
References
- Albany.edu. (2002). Juvenile Court Statistics.
- BJS. (2010). Key Facts at a Glance.
- Caldwell, M.F. (2009). Sex offender registration and recidivism risk in juvenile sexual offenders. Behavioral Sciences & the Law 27(6), 941-956.
- DeSarno, J.V. (1998). Criminal Justice Information Services Division.