Inform Article

Violent Youth Have 12.7 Prior Arrests

01.29.2010
Posted by Emily Small of People Engaged in Active Community Efforts (PEACE)
http://www.criminologycenter.fsu.edu/p/pdf/Palm%20Beach%20Re...
Final Report of the Youth Violence Prevention Project, commissioned by the PBC Criminal Justice Commission

When members of PEACE began researching the problem of youth crime last year, this study by FSU proved most helpful.  We discovered from it that while the overall crime rate in Palm Beach County is decreasing, violent crime is increasing.  The majority of those committing these violent crimes are youth between the ages of 15 and 24, and they have on average 12.7 prior arrests!

It was this statistic in particular that got us thinking about the idea that somehting must be done for these youth on one of these 12.7 prior arrests, to get these youth on a different path for their lives (and ultimately, the lives of others).