Indiana

Crime & Punishment

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

They’re not out yet, but when they are the latest Indianapolis crime stats will show a modest decrease in crime, but city officials say burglaries are still a major problem.  The city saw a decrease in aggravated assaults and murders stayed about the same, however there was a sharp increase in burglaries.

Public Safety director Scott Newman doesn’t think the economy is responsible for the increase in burglaries, but the fact that a number of burglars are out on bond when they commit their subsequent offenses. Newman says the Marion County may need to create more jail beds to deal with the problem as federal judges are being more strict when it comes to caps on the jail population.

However, in addition to repeat offenders, another reason for the increase in burglaries is juveniles who are not in school.  IMPD Chief Spears says kids who have been expelled or suspended from school are also responsible for a significant number of  burglaries.  

One possible answer, which I definitely think is worth exploring, is a daytime curfew modeled after that’s done in Houston.  Houston has a daytime curfew from 9 - 2:30 p.m. for kids while school is in session.   There are the usual exceptions, i.e. if a minor is with their parent, engaged in employment, etc.  By picking up juveniles and getting them off the street during the day they are less likely to break into your home while you’re at work.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on January 13, 2009 (boomark / email).