• For both males and females, the arrest rate for weapons law violations increased substantially through the 1980s. Between 1980 and their peak years, the rate increased proportionally more for females (256%) than for males (139%).
• After reaching a peak in 1994 both rates declined through 2002 (53% for males and 32% for females), increased through 2006, then declined through 2010. Following these declines, the male rate in 2010 was just 2% above its 1983 low point while the female rate was double its 1980 low point.
• The disproportionate increase in the female rate narrowed the gender disparity in weapons law violation arrest rates. In 1980, the male rate was sixteen times the female rate; in 2010, the male rate was about eight times the female rate.

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Internet Citation: OJJDP Statistical Briefing Book. Online. Available:
http://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/crime/JAR_Display.asp?ID=qa05243. December 17, 2012.

Adapted from Puzzanchera, C. and Adams, B. (2012). Juvenile Arrests 2009. Washington, D.C.: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

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