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Crime in AmericaCrime RatesThe rates of both violent and property crime have been going down in recent years.

GangsAt one time, gangs were only thought to operate in major US cities.Nearly all cities with a population more than 200,000 report problems with gangs.Oftentimes, gang members come from poverty and/or lack success at school

GangsMost members are males who are pessimistic about their future.Are not new to the United States.

Second AmendmentThe US Supreme Court and lower courts have ruled that the 2nd Amendment guarantees a states right to maintain a militia.However, The SC has not used the 2nd Amendment to strike down federal , state, or local legislation that controls guns.The Brady Act required that all persons wanting to purchase a firearm are subject to an immediate background check.

Second AmendmentIn 1997, the SC ruled that the federal government could not force states to perform background checks.But many states have enacted their own laws governing the purchase of firearms.Background checksFingerprintsTraining

Incarceration vs. ?The Natl Council on Crime and Delinquency recommends alternatives to incarceration as one strategy for reducing crime.RehabProbationHalfway HousesElectronic MonitoringCommunity Service

Incarceration vs. ?Drug Courts offer treatment instead of punishment for individuals who commit crimes and have problems with controlled substances

Megans LawPassed as a result of victims advocacy groups, require the registration of all convicted sex offenders in the community.

Implied ConsentRequires drivers to submit to a blood alcohol test in exchange for the privilege of driving.

RecidivistRepeat offender

Crimes on Campus (College)An increasing concern; includes violent assaults, sexual assaults, hate crimes, and property crimes.

How crime is measuredCrime clock reports the frequency of crimeCrime index sum of violent crimes and property crimes

Crime StatisticsDecisions as to what constitutes a crime are made by the legislation branchThe most commonly reported crime as of 2001 was larceny or theft.Most violent crimes are committed by those ages 15-24.In recent years, crimes committed by females has increased.Crime StatisticsFamily instability is the strongest predictor of crime.More than 2,000,000 incidents of violent and property crimes were experienced by children ages 12-18 while at school in 2000.The most widely abused substance in the US today is alcohol.The group most likely to be a victim of violent crime is persons aged 12 to 24.PreventionThe action of stopping something before it happens

InterventionAttempting to stop an act while it is happening.

SuppressionTo put an end to something, forcibly.