Juvenile Victims and Offenders in Fatal and Non-Fatal Shootings

• In Event: Victims of Violent Crime

Abstract

Violence among juvenile offenders has long been a concern for many individuals in the criminal justice system. Most troubling is the presence of youth among the victims and offenders of violent shootings. Many programs have been developed to help juveniles desist from criminal activity, but without a firm understanding of how youth become involved in serious violent incidents it is difficult to effect meaningful change. Utilizing police incident data on fatal and non-fatal shootings in Detroit, this study examines the time and location of the incident and the personal characteristics of juvenile victims and offenders. In particular whether juvenile victims or offenders were skipping school or were present at risky locations is determined. Covariates of juvenile and adult offenders are compared to determine to what extent explanatory variables in adults overlap with juveniles. The findings from this study have implications to anti-gun violence policy and to youth violence diversion programs.

Authors

• Giovanni M. Circo, Michigan State University

• Jesenia M. Pizarro, Michigan State University

• Edmund F. McGarrell, Michigan State University