Simple assault arrests per 100,000 population, 1980, 1997, 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 simple assault?
A:	Simple assault arrest rates in 2010 were nearly double their 1980 rate for most age groups.

Simple assault arrests per 100,000 population, 1980, 1997, 2010

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The peak year for juvenile simple assault arrest rates was 1997. Between 1980 and 1997, arrest rates for youth ages 15-17 increased an average of 165%. The rates also increased substantially for adults in their thirties. More specifically, the rates increased 208% for adults ages 30-34 and 216% for those ages 35-39.
Between 1997 and 2010, simple assault arrest rates declined for all groups under age 45. Specifically, the rates dropped 17% for youth ages 15-17, compared with 19% for adults ages 18-24, 14% for those ages 25-29, and 23% for those ages 30-39.
Overall from 1980 to 2010, the simple assault arrest rates for youth ages 15-17 increased 120%. In comparison, the rates increased less for young adults ages 18-24 (up 84%), but more for adults older than age 35. More specifically, the rates increased 141% for adults ages 35-39, and 163% for those ages 40-44. Even the arrest rates for adults ages 60-64 increased 118%.

Internet citation: OJJDP Statistical Briefing Book. Online. Available: http://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/crime/qa05306.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.