Author: JeffreyButts

Research Professor and Director, Research and Evaluation Center, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York
Briefs, Monographs & Reports

Shoplifting and Other Types of Petit Larceny in New York City

Between 2019 and 2022, petit larceny grew 53 percent at major commercial retailers (department stores, chain stores, etc.), from fewer than 35,000 to nearly 55,000 incidents annually. Thefts in other settings grew after 2019 as well. Petit larceny on neighborhood streets and sidewalks climbed 27 percent. Larcenies from private homes and residences jumped 16 percent. Continue reading Shoplifting and Other Types of Petit Larceny in New York City

Unknown's avatarJeffreyButts
Regional Print

Debate over ‘Raise the Age’ lingers as juvenile gun cases soar

“Unfortunately, Raise the Age came into being just before the entire world of crime and justice changed in 2020 and 2021. If you just look at recidivism without accounting for that general environmental disruption, you’re not conducting research — you’re counting stuff. … But, to draw causal inferences that way is irresponsible.” Continue reading Debate over ‘Raise the Age’ lingers as juvenile gun cases soar

Unknown's avatarJeffreyButts
Varied & Misc

Our Crime Debate Remains Tragically Shortsighted

Whether violence is increasing or not, the consistency of public opinion attracts lawmakers’ attention at all levels of government and across the political spectrum. On the right, candidates and elected officials typically advocate for more funding and broader support for police, prisons, and other forms of suppression and control. On the left, they typically argue for deeper investments in social services, housing, education, health care, drug treatment, and various therapeutic programs. Both sides claim research evidence for their position, but neither side carefully investigates the accuracy and reliability of evidence. Continue reading Our Crime Debate Remains Tragically Shortsighted

Unknown's avatarJeffreyButts