Age-specific Arrest Rate Trends

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), Serving Children, Families, and Communities

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Q:	What is the trend for age-specific arrest rates for aggravated assault?
A:	Compared with 1980, aggravated assault arrest rates in 2001 were higher for all age groups - the increase was greater for adults than for juveniles.

Aggravated assault arrests per 100,000 population, 1980, 1994, 2001

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The peak year for juvenile aggravated assault arrest rates was 1994. Between 1980 and 1994, arrest rates for youth ages 15-17 increased an average of 108%. The rates also increased substantially for adults in their thirties. More specifically, the rates increased 99% for adults ages 30-34 and 84% for those ages 35-39.
Between 1994 and 2001, aggravated assault arrest rates declined for all age groups, but the declines were greater for juveniles than for adults. More specifically, the rates dropped 36% for youth ages 15-17, compared with 19% for adults ages 18-24, 22% for those ages 25-29, and 16% for those ages 30-39.
Overall from 1980 to 2001, the aggravated assault arrest rates for youth ages 15-17 increased 33%. In comparison, the rates increased more for adults age 18 and older, with the largest increases being for those between ages 35 and 44. More specifically, the rates increased 37% for adults ages 18-24, 37% for adults ages 25-29, 53% for those ages 30-34, 65% for those ages 35-39, and 60% for those ages 40-44. Even the arrest rates for adults ages 60-64 increased 17%.

Internet citation: OJJDP Statistical Briefing Book. Online. Available: http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/ojstatbb/crime/qa05303.asp?qaDate=20040801. Released on August 01, 2004.

Adapted from data presented in the FBI's Age-Specific Arrest Rates and Race-Specific Arrest Rates for Selected Offenses, 1965-1992 (1993) and Age-Specific Arrest Rates and Race-Specific Arrest Rates for Selected Offenses, 1993-2001 (2003) reports.