The Overall Rate of Juveniles Crimes in Oregon is Down

A new report by Multnomah County in Oregon shows an 11% decline in the number of juveniles in who have been picked or arrested for crimes in the county. The study, which compared the crime rate between 2006 and 2007, states that the number of juveniles ages 12-16 who have been written up by police for crimes such as burglary, assault, and criminal mischief has declined by 8 to sixteen percent.

Unfortunately, the percentage of youths arrested for much more serious crimes, like homicide, robbery, and arson, have increase by 167 percent, 12 percent, and 90 percent respectively. David Koch, the assistant director of the Juvenile Services Division, noted that because these types of serious crimes occur so infrequently, any increase in criminal activity will reflect a larger percentage.

Koch said he was please with the overall decline in juvenile crimes, and that he and his staff will look into those crimes that have increased over the last year. Koch credits the schools, parents, recreation programs, treatment programs, and juvenile services programs in Multnomah County that have keep kids engaged in positive activities.

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