Crime in America : the ABC report /

A print spinoff of ABC's February 1983 Crime in America documentary series, this sweeping, ankle-deep examination of the nation's crime problem betrays its TV origins--the pages seem alive with talking heads, as experts' quotes are relentlessly trotted out. Nonetheless, MacGillis and crew have synthesized available statistical data, interviews, the results of polls and secondary source material (heavy reliance, in particular, on Silberman's Criminal Violence, Criminal Justice and Feeley's Court Reform on Trial) into a short but lucid overview of criminal justice issues--though the pros, cons, and conclusions will be familiar to anyone with some background in the field. On the scope of the problem: yes, our crime problem is serious, but indications are that (at least for the past couple of years) it hasn't gotten any worse. On our fear of crime: all in all, it's probably constructive, except when it distorts political debate. (What does capital punishment have to do with running for mayor of New York, for example?) On violent criminals: they are most often male, young, urban, and (disproportionately to their share of the overall population) black; they start early in life; they are usually caught sooner or later; and a relatively small percentage of them commit the lion's share of serious crimes. On causes of crime: poor education and lack of employment opportunities for minority youth are the key problem, not moral decay (polls show that the American public has changed its views on this issue in the last two decades); relatively few crimes are committed by people in order to buy drugs, though drugs are part of the lifestyle. On the police: sheer numbers and technical gadgetry don't work, but special anti-crime details in high crime neighborhoods, foot-patrol, and community involvement projects probably do. On the courts: contrary to popular opinion, judges are getting tougher and giving longer sentences, and the courts by and large are operating ""more professionally, more honestly and more justly"" than ever; but we are operating under a ""dangerous illusion"" if we think courts can be highly instrumental in reducing crime, or that tinkering with the sentencing process will work magic. While this survey largely avoids explicit recommendations, MacGillis et al. emphasize the long-range need for an improved educational system, real (not make-work) employment opportunity, and--the only controversial position espoused--the immediate need for gun control. In all: very much an overview, but not without value as an introduction for general readers. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.