Our Picture of Health 1998:
Focusing on Community Health to the Year 2000CHAPTER 10: SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
COMMUNITY SAFETY
94. Number of Adult Arrests
Figure 10-11 shows the top four reasons for arrests in Mesa County. Arrests are higher for adults than for juveniles. Crimes typically attributed to juveniles, such as vandalism and substance abuse, are in actuality a larger problem with adults.
The 100% increase in substance abuse arrests for each of the past two years is due in part to increased enforcement made possible through drug enforcement grants.
Sources for all crime data:
- Colorado Bureau of Investigation
- Mesa County Sheriff's Office
- Grand Junction Police Department
- Palisade Police
- Fruita Police
Figure 10-11: Top Four Reasons for Adult Arrests 1992-1997
Figure 10-12: Adult Arrests 1993-1997
95. Number of Juvenile Arrests
The way municipalities address crime among adults and youth can significantly change the arrest rates.
For example, Fruita takes a very strong stance against youth crime. Every violation in Fruita is
prosecuted . . . even shoplifting a pack of gum. There is one full-time staff person who checks on each young person "in the system" to monitor school attendance and other behavior requirements.Entities as large as Grand Junction or the Sheriff's Department do not have the manpower to have such a strong program. The result is that Fruita may have a higher arrest rate and fewer repeat offenders.
May link to . . .
- Economic Well-Being
- Enforcement Priorities
- Criminal Justice Staff Levels
Figure 10-13: Top Four Reasons for Juvenile Arrests 1993-1997
Figure 10-14: Juvenile Arrests 1993-1997
Drug and alcohol abuse are often attributed to youth. Figure 10-15 shows these issues are a much greater issue for adults.
In addition to arrests for substance abuse, a 1998 United States Justice Department study reported that alcohol abuse is a factor in 40% of violent crimes.
Figure 10-15: Juvenile and Adult Substance Abuse Arrests
Next