Weapons law violation arrests per 100,000 population, 1980, 1994, 2010

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Working for Youth Justice and Safety

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Age-specific Arrest Rate Trends

Q:	What is the trend for age-specific arrest rates for weapons law violations?
A:	Weapons law violation arrest rates were higher in 2010 than in 1980 for juveniles ages 16 and under, while rates for persons ages 17 and older in 2010 were below the rates in 1980.

Weapons law violation arrests per 100,000 population, 1980, 1994, 2010

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The peak year for juvenile weapons law violation arrest rates was 1994. Between 1980 and 1994, arrest rates for youth ages 15-17 increased an average of 148%. The rates increased considerably less for adults in their thirties. More specifically, the rates increased 15% for adults ages 30-34 and just 3% for those ages 35-39.
Between 1994 and 2010, weapons law violation arrest rates declined for all age groups, but the declines were somewhat greater for juveniles than for adults. More specifically, the rates dropped 59% for youth ages 15-17, compared with 49% for adults ages 18-24, 35% for those ages 25-29, and 39% for those ages 30-39.
Overall, the weapons law violation arrest rates for youth ages 15-17 in 2010 was 1% above the level in 1980. In comparison, the rates declined for each age group older than age 20. More specifically, the rates fell 18% for adults ages 21-24, 21% for adults ages 25-29, 26% for those ages 30-34, 40% for those ages 35-39, and 42% for those ages 40-44.

Internet citation: OJJDP Statistical Briefing Book. Online. Available: http://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/crime/qa05307.asp?qaDate=2010. Released on April 17, 2013.

Data Source: Arrest estimates developed by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and disseminated through “Arrest Data Analysis Tool.” Online. Available from the BJS website.