Brown: Criminology, 8th Edition


Case Studies

4. Distribution of Crime

Fred and Joann have decided to relocate when Fred retires next year. They have lived in San Diego, California, for the past 22 years and are ready for a change of pace. They both want their next home to be in a safe region where community values are highly regarded. They also want to be in a friendly area where they can feel comfortable letting their grandchildren play unsupervised in the yard during their summer visits.

Joann has considered several possibilities but is not leaning toward moving somewhere in the southeast region of the United States. She is considering Florida, South Carolina, or Georgia. From everything she has heard about the area, she thinks this would be the safest place for her family. Joann has also always been fond of the idea of “southern hospitality” and feels like this would be the perfect place to start the next chapter of their lives.

Questions

  1. What types of crimes are most common in the states where Joann and Fred are considering moving?

    Correct Answer

    According to the Uniform Crime Reports, violent crime is common in the southern region of the United States, with 43.8% of all murders occurring in the South.

  2. If Joann wanted to avoid areas where violent crime is prevalent, what areas should she look to for her move?

    Correct Answer

    According to both the Uniform Crime Reports and the National Crime Victimization Survey, the least amount of crime occurs in the northeast region of the United States.

  3. What type of crime is most common where Joann and Fred currently live?

    Correct Answer

    The Uniform Crime Reports suggests that the majority of crime committed in the western region of the United States is property crime, while the National Crime Victimization Survey data indicates that violent crime is common in the western region.

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