Violent Crime Index arrests per 100,000 population, 1980, 1994, 2010

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Working for Youth Justice and Safety

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Age-specific Arrest Rate Trends

Q:	What is the trend for age-specific arrest rates for Violent Crime Index offenses?
A:	Violent Crime Index arrest rates were higher in 2010 than in 1980 for all adult age groups over age 24, - for juveniles, 2010 rates were below the rates in 1980.

Violent Crime Index arrests per 100,000 population, 1980, 1994, 2010

Note: The Violent Crime Index includes the offenses of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

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The peak year for juvenile Violent Crime Index arrest rates was 1994. Between 1980 and 1994, arrest rates for youth ages 15-17 increased an average of 73%. In comparison, the rates increased somewhat more for adults in their thirties (76%).
Between 1994 and 2010, violent crime arrest rates declined for all age groups, but the declines were greater for juveniles than for adults. More specifically, the rates dropped an average of 55% for youth ages 15-17, compared with 38% for adults ages 18-24, 35% for those ages 25-29, and 37% for those ages 30-39.
Between 1980 and 2010, the Violent Crime Index arrest rates for youth ages 15-17 decreased 23% and the rates for adults generally increased. More specifically, the rates increased 11% for adults ages 30-34, 11% for those ages 35-39, and 27% for those ages 40-44. Even the arrest rates for adults ages 60-64 increased 9%.

Internet citation: OJJDP Statistical Briefing Book. Online. Available: http://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/crime/qa05301.asp?qaDate=2010. Released on April 17, 2013.

Data Source: Arrest estimates developed by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and disseminated through “Arrest Data Analysis Tool.” Online. Available from the BJS website.