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Dutch Public and the Crime Problem

NCJ Number
134490
Author(s)
J Junger-Tas; G J Terlouw
Date Published
1991
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This report presents results from a 1990 survey of 1,025 Dutch citizens 18 years old or older regarding their attitudes toward a variety of crime-related problems.
Abstract
Respondents were asked to assess the seriousness of the crime problem in general and fraud offenses in particular. They were also queried about government efforts to combat crime and what they perceived to be the causes of crime. Respondents were also asked about crime prevention initiatives and sentencing options. A significant number of respondents considered the crime problem to be serious. Lack of parental attention to and control of children was considered a major factor in juvenile delinquency according to a majority of the respondents. Respondents supported restitution, community service, and treatment programs as the proper response to juvenile delinquency. Measures that promote more effective parenting were the favored prevention strategies. A majority of respondents believed that the government allocates too little money to the crime problem. Alternatives to imprisonment were supported by 69 percent of the respondents. Favored alternative sanctions included victim restitution through service and financial remuneration, training programs, and employment services. 8 tables and 8 references