"Crime Rate in the U.S. and Merton's Structural Strain Theory"

"Crime Rate in the U.S. and Merton's Structural Strain Theory"

Introduction:

Our report is on Crime in the United States. Crime is a major problem all over the world, but we are focusing on the crime problem right here in our own country. We have listed some different statistics, problems, and solutions.

FBI Crime Statistics:

Final 1995 crime statistics showed that 13.9 million Crime Index offenses were reported to law enforcement across the Nation. The 1995 total represents a rate of 5,278 offenses for every 100,000 United States inhabitants. The number of crimes was down 1 percent from 1994, while the crime rate declined 2 percent. The number of violent crimes dropped 3 percent, while the rate of violent crimes dropped 4 percent. In the eight U.S. cities with more than one million population, the decrease in the number of violent crimes was 8 percent. In the 64 largest cities, with populations over 250,000, Crime Index totals dropped 3 percent.

Crime Volume:

In 1995, the Crime Index total of 13.9 million offenses, 1 percent lower than the 1994 total and 7 percent lower than the 1991 total, represented the fourth consecutive annual decline. A comparison with 1986 figures, however, showed a 5-percent increase over the last 10-year period.

By region, the Southern States recorded 38 percent of all Crime Index offenses reported to law enforcement. The lowest volume was reported in the Northeastern States, accounting for 16 percent of the total. All regions except the West showed Crime Index decreases compared to 1994 figures.

Property valued at $15.6 billion was stolen in connection with all Crime Index offenses.

Crime Rate:

The 1995 Crime Index rate, 5,278 per 100,000 population, was 2 percent lower than in 1994. For 5- and 10-year trend increments, the 1995 rate, the lowest since 1985, was 11 percent lower than the 1991 rate and 4 percent lower than 1986. Geographically, the total Crime Index rates ranged from 6,083 in the West to 4,180 in the Northeast. All regions recorded rate declines, 1994 versus 1995. The Crime Index rate was 5,761 per 100,000 inhabitants in the Nations Metropolitan Statistical Areas and 5,315 per 100,000 for cities outside MSAs. The lowest rate was registered by the collective rural counties at 2,083 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Violent Crime:

Violent crimes (murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) reported to the country's law enforcement agencies during 1995 dropped below 1.8 million offenses resulting in the lowest violent crime rate since 1989; 685 violent crimes for every 100,000 inhabitants.

From 1994 to 1995, the violent crimes collectively decreased by 3 percent. The 1995 total was 6 percent below the 1991 figure, but 21 percent above the 1986 figure.

Data collected on weapons used in connection with murder, robbery, and aggravated assault showed that personal weapons (hands, fists, feet, etc.) were used in 31 percent of the offenses and that firearms were used in 30 percent. The proportion of violent crimes committed with firearms remained relatively stable from 1994 to 1995.

Aggravated assaults accounted for 61 percent and robberies for ...