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The late teen-age component of society is also becoming increasingly active in crime. For example, FBI data shows that persons between the ages of 15 and 24 account for an unusually high number of arrests for auto thefts, arson, and driving under the influence of alcohol, United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) tables show that murder per 100,000 teenagers has risen dramatically in the 14-18 year age group. They further show that children under age 17 are victims of nearly a quarter of the murders committed by these youths. More than 75% of all juvenile homicides in the US were committed with guns, and 33% of the murder victims killed by guns were under 19 years of age. In the minority communities, the situation is much worse: gunshot wounds are the leading cause of death among black youth. Nearly two thirds of all rapes were committed against girls 17 years old or younger, and about one third take place in the victim’s own home.

CRIME IN SCHOOLS

In school, the situation is likewise hazardous: USDOJ tables show that about 9% of all students report either being physically victimized or having their property destroyed at school. The tables also report the easy availability of alcohol and marijuana at a large percentage of schools, as well as the presence of gangs in a sizable percentage of schools. While gangs are most frequently reported by lower income children in urban or suburban areas, there is also a significant amount of gang activity reported by students from higher income families and students in rural schools-old socio-economic and geographical stereotypes are breaking down! USDOJ tables show that many students, particularly either at school or on the way to school, again, particularly the younger students, are most vulnerable.