Chapter 7 (Part Three)

1
Chapter 7 (Part Three)

• Substance Abuse and Crime
• and
• Victims of Crime

2
Substance Abuse and Crime

• Substance Abuse (chemical use that impairs
  normal human functioning)
• Contributes to many social problems
• Breakup of families
• Decreased productivity in industry
• Injuries in the workplace
• Automobile crashes
• Criminal activity

3
Alcohol

• Most widely abused substance in the U.S. due to
  it being socially acceptable
• Alcoholism can lead to many problems
• 10 of work-related injuries
• 40 of suicide attempts
• Spouse, significant other, child abuse (65 of
  the victims who suffered from violence reported
  alcohol as a factor)
• Committing crimes (40 of violent crimes had
  alcohol as a factor)

4
Alcohol (cont.)

• Drunk Driving operating a motor vehicle while
  under the influence of alcohol
• DUI Driving under the influence
• DWI Driving while intoxicated
• BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) indicates the
  grams per deciliter (g/dl) of alcohol in the
  blood.
• Can be determined through breath, urine, or blood
  samples
• A person is intoxicated if the BAC is 0.10 g/dl
  or greater
• A person is impaired if the BAC is between 0.01
  g/dl and 0.09 g/dl
• BAC levels vary from state to state

5
Alcohol (cont.)

• Penalties for driving under the influence
• Fine
• Enrollment in a DWI school
• Community service
• License suspended (taken away for a period of
  time)
• License revoked (permanently taken away)
• Jail sentenced (some laws require a minimum term)
• A person can have any combination of these
  penalties.
• Repeat offenders receive stiffer penalties

6
Alcohol (cont.)

• A person may choose not to take an alcohol test
• However, most states have an implied consent law
• The driver agrees to submit to a BAC test in
  exchange for the privilege of driving
• Most states? refusal to take the test could
  result in immediate suspension of the drivers
  license for a certain period.
• Teens who drink and drive have a greater risk of
  being injured or killed due to being
  less-experienced drivers and their bodies are
  affected faster by alcohol

7
Alcohol (cont.)

• Organizations are around to help reduce drunk
  driving and to provide assistance to individuals
  who are victims of drunk-driving crashes
• Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD)
• Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
• Remove Intoxicated Drivers
• National Coalition to Prevent Impaired Driving
• Helps provide greater public awareness of the
  dangers of drinking and driving

8
Drugs

• Illegal drug intake has lead to a dramatic
  increase in criminal activity
• Between 50 to 75 of persons taken into the
  criminal justice system test positive for one or
  more drugs at the time of their arrest.
• Controlled Substances Act federal drug law that
  classifies drugs into five groups, depending on
  medical use (if any), potential for abuse, and
  capability to create physical or psychological
  addiction.
• The penalties and criminal sanctions are
  different for each of the five groups

9
Drugs (cont.)

• Federal and state laws are now carrying harsher
  penalties
• Under federal law and in some states, those found
  guilty of being major drug traffickers may face a
  sentence of life without parole.
• Some states treat simple possession of even small
  amounts of certain types of drugs as felonies.
• Big debate going on over whether some drugs
  should be legalized (marijuana)

10
Victims of Crime

• Each year, more than 36 million Americans are
  victimized by crime.
• Teens are more likely to be the victims of crime
  than people in any other age group.
• Except for rape and sexual assault, males are
  more frequently the victims of every form of
  violent crime.
• Persons from lower-income households were more
  likely to be crime victims that those with higher
  incomes.
• Members of minority groups, urban dwellers, and
  those who rent their homes were more likely to be
  victims of crime.

11
Victims of Crime (cont.)

• There is help out here for victims
• Most states have victim assistance programs that
  provide victims with counseling, medical care,
  and other services/benefits.
• Most states have victim compensation laws that
  provide financial help for victims paying
  medical bills, making up lost salary, and in come
  cases paying funeral costs.
• Courts can order restitution (criminals pay back
  or compensate the victims of their crimes).
• Victim advocacy groups that help victims through
  their trauma and also to protect the rights of
  victims (ex. MADD)

12
If You Become a Victim

• Two different views on what to do if you believe
  you are about to become the victim of a crime
• 1st you should not fight back
• 2nd you should resist the assailant
• If you choose this option, be prepared to risk
  injury or your life. Make sure you know your
  limitations.
• If the assailant has a weapon, you should assume
  that it is going to be used.
• General rule criminals do not want an audience
  so if you are able to scream or blow a whistle do
  so.
• Call the police as soon as you can.

13
Crime Prevention

• To reduce the risk of crime, follow these rules
• Report suspicious activity to the police.
• Lock your doors (dead-bolt lock with a one-inch
  bolt on each outside door is suggested) and
  windows
• Beware of high-crime areas (dark and deserted
  streets, parking lots, parking garages, bus
  stops, etc.)
• Try to have someone with you at night.
• Dont flash money in public.
• When on vacation Stop mail delivery or have a
  neighbor collect the mail and use a timer to turn
  on lights at night.
• If you return home and think that someone has
  broken in, do not enter it but call the police.
• If someone knocks on your door, do not open it
  until you are sure who is outside.

14
How to Report a Crime

• If you are a victim or a witness to a crime do
  the following
• Stay calm
• Call the police immediately!
• If anyone is hurt, ask for an ambulance
• Always report a crime.
• When the police arrive, tell them exactly what
  you saw and what happened (if possible write down
  as much info. As you can before they arrive).
• Age, height, clothing, facial description, etc.
  of the criminal
• If the criminal drove away in a car make,
  model, color, license , and the direction of
  travel.