Age-specific Arrest Rate Trends

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), Serving Children, Families, and Communities

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Q:	What is the trend for age-specific arrest rates for Violent Crime Index offenses?
A:	Violent Crime Index arrest rates were higher in 2001 than in 1980 for all adult age groups - for juveniles ages 15-17, 2001 rates were below the rates in 1980.

Violent Crime Index arrests per 100,000 population, 1980, 1994, 2001

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 62%. In comparison, the rates increased more for adults in their thirties. More specifically, the rates increased 72% for adults ages 30-34 and 68% for those ages 35-39.
Between 1994 and 2001, violent crime arrest rates declined for all age groups, but the declines were greater for juveniles than for adults. More specifically, the rates dropped 43% for youth ages 15-17, compared with 23% for adults ages 18-24, 27% for those ages 25-29, and 19% for those ages 30-39.
Between 1980 and 2001, the Violent Crime Index arrest rates for youth ages 15-17 decreased 8% and the rates for adults increased. More specifically, the rates increased 7% for adults ages 18-24, 9% for adults ages 25-29, 28% for those ages 30-34, 47% for those ages 35-39, and 46% for thoses ages 40-44. Even the arrest rates for adults ages 60-64 increased 9%.

Internet citation: OJJDP Statistical Briefing Book. Online. Available: http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/ojstatbb/crime/qa05301.asp?qaDate=20040801. Released on August 01, 2004.

Adapted from data presented in the FBI's Age-Specific Arrest Rates and Race-Specific Arrest Rates for Selected Offenses, 1965-1992 (1993) and Age-Specific Arrest Rates and Race-Specific Arrest Rates for Selected Offenses, 1993-2001 (2003) reports.