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Economics of Crime

NCJ Number
73538
Author(s)
D A Hellman
Date Published
1980
Length
207 pages
Annotation
This textbook on the economics of crime provides both a theoretical framework for analyzing and developing public policy for dealing with crime and an analysis of crimes within that framework.
Abstract
An introductory section briefly describes and analyzes FBI Index Crimes, recent trends in the amount of crime, problems in the interpretation of data, and victimization surveys. The impact of crime both on society as a whole and on individuals and groups within society is assessed, and the ways in which various crimes can affect us are described. The text also addresses the broader question of optimum allocation of criminal justice resources, dealing with such issues as determination of the amount of crime, the mix of crime, and the allocation of police resources among neighborhoods and of resources within courts and corrections. In addition, fundamentals of cost-benefit analysis are presented, and a traditional model of economic choice is applied to further explain criminal choice. Finally, a market analysis is developed for crimes against property and persons, victimless crimes, the heroin market, and organized crime. Notes are given for each chapter, and economic figures and tabular data are included. Appendixes contain definitions of terms, material on discounting to present value and calculating the mix of crime, and a model of the heroin distribution system. A bibliography of approximately 100 citations is attached. (Author abstract modified)

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