The problem of crime in the United States is a large one, and that’s why law enforcement professionals, sociologists and educators are all involved in the study of crime patterns. The study of generational felony statistics helps to give us a sense of how crimes happen, what neighborhoods are at risk, and how the rising crime rate can be dealt with.
Recent statistical studies show that the types of crimes committed vary by the different generations. Older generations, like those in generation X or the baby boom generation, will tend to be involved in the theft of more expensive property, while those in the younger generation will be involved in small scale thefts of local residences. One factor that is constant between these groups, however, is that these crimes are usually related to drug abuse. People who are addicted to drugs are frequently driven to commit crimes in order to obtain quick money for drug purchases. The correlation between rising rates of drug abuse and rising crime rates can’t be ignored.
Statistical Crime Levels in States in the US
A statistical map of the US shows crime rates in each state, and also shows the level of crime per capita. What’s interesting is that the data shows that crime rates are higher per capita in states with smaller populations, like Oregon. This seems counter-intuitive, as we would assume that big cities have much higher levels of crime, and that less crowded, more rural areas would have less crime. Experts who study this data conclude, however, that cities have more police available to deal with crimes, as well as just more people around who are potential witnesses. Both of these elements seem to keep crime rates lower in cities.
The Opioid Crisis
Another area of concern for those who observe the rising crime rates is the very serious issue of opioid drug addiction. This problem is becoming more and more serious and is close to spiraling out of control. This problem has its roots in the prescription painkillers, like Oxycontin, which were freely doled out by physicians who were unaware of the potential for abuse, and for the market for the medications as a street drug. As more and more of these drugs entered the marketplace, more and more people became addicted, and so more people turned to heroin in order to keep their habit going. Sadly, all of this has driven up crime rates as well as mortality rates. Though all of this is hard to look at, experts know that the statistics on crime are important to study, in order to make the social changes that are needed to improve our society.
