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More Kids Today Arrested Than Ever
Arrests of young adults age 23 and younger have increased dramatically in the U.S. over the last 50 years.
In fact, more than one-third of young adults are reportedly arrested for something other than a minor traffic violation by the time they reach the age of 23.
This figure represents a significant increase in arrest rates among young adults compared to a study of juvenile offenders in the U.S. in the mid-1960s.
The reason for the dramatic increase in arrests among juveniles is unknown, but there are a number of competing theories attempting to answer this very question.
One answer proposed by mental health professionals is that the high rate of arrests may be linked to mental health disorders and behavioral problems among young adults, placing youth at a higher risk for criminal activity than adults.
According to experts, mental illness is incredibly common among young adults in the juvenile justice system. Mental illness is often an indicator of a greater potential for risky behavior, and is often linked to criminal activity.
Some experts suggest that multiple arrests can indicate untreated mental disorders.
It is believed that somewhere between half and three-fourths of incarcerated youth suffer from some kind of mental illness.
Another possible explanation for the dramatic increase in arrests among young adults is a change in policing tactics.
According to researchers, U.S. police often choose arrest over alternative enforcement methods, such as ticketing.
Experts suggest that police have become more zealous, writing fewer tickets and issuing fewer citations and warnings than they did 50 years ago when juvenile crimes and young adult arrests were first studied.
The reason police officers are choosing arrest over alternative enforcement methods is not entirely clear, but it appears that this trend has spread beyond the juvenile justice system.
An increase in arrest rates and the decision by police officers to favor arrest over alternative enforcement methods affects juveniles and adults alike.
One reason for the shift in policing tactics and enforcement methods may stem from public concern over an increase in criminal activity over the last 50 years and a new tough-on-crime political environment.
Unfortunately, while arrests may be necessary in some cases, in other cases the burden of a criminal record that accompanies an arrest may exceed the severity of the crime and create even more problems.
Arrests can have serious social implications.
Young adults who find themselves in the criminal justice system are often stigmatized.
Arrest records also have serious real world impacts -- including significant impediments to finding quality employment and housing.
Because it is possible for a stigma of an arrest to follow young adults into adulthood, it is important, then, to speak with an attorney experienced in handling juvenile offenses if your child is arrested.
Although arrests are not necessarily indicative of a young adult's propensity toward crime, they can still be quite worrisome.
According to some experts, although most children arrested never enter the system more than once, the worst of the repeat offenders often start their criminal careers at a fairly young age.
Determining which kids are which is not always easy, given that they are just kids.
The factors contributing to the increase in arrests among young adults are numerous and complex.
Home life, poverty, school and drug abuse can all affect the likelihood that a child will be arrested.
Trying to understand the exact reason why so many more kids are arrested today than 50 years ago may be next to impossible, but it is important to continue searching for answers because we all pay the price if nothing is done.
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