ABSTRACT
As more attention is given to the serious criminal acts committed by older persons, sociology, criminal justice and gerontology researchers are probing deeper into the individual circumstances and social aspects of these illegal behaviors. Investigators are examining the older offender and the judicial system; type of offenses; relationships between victim and assailant in homicides; as well as trends and circumstances of criminal behaviour. This chapter presents findings from a sample of older men, aged 55 +, who were arrested for law violations in a large, industrialized, midwest city. Criminal histories and arrest records are contrasted for the “career” or habitual violator and the “new” or first-time offender. Researchers have shown that the increasing trend of criminal activity among older persons, 55 and above, is continuing. D. J. Bachand compared the number of older adults arrested in Michigan with population growth of the older population in Michigan and in United States.
