ABSTRACT
This Chapter examines the cost of crime to third parties. While crime has its most dramatic impact on victims, others suffer as well. Family members of crime victims may have to take time off work to accompany a victim to the doctor or otherwise to care for the victim. They may grieve over the loss of a loved one and may themselves require psychological counseling to deal with such a loss or to deal with the trauma of having a family member victimized. Children of domestic violence victims may suffer long lasting psychological effects that can only be overcome with costly treatment and long-term care. Others may also suffer, such as the employer who needs to hire a replacement worker or pay workers overtime while an injured victim is off the job. Society as a whole, either as insurance purchasers or taxpayers may bear some of these costs through higher insurance premiums or higher taxes. Potential victims - including virtually every member of society - pays through increased security or changing their behavior in ways that represent increased time or a decrease in pleasurable activities such as walking in a park. They may also experience residual fear of crime – especially those who have experienced high levels of crime in their neighborhoods. After considering the cost to victim families, insurers, potential victims, and taxpayers, the Chapter ends with the cost of one of the most sobering aspects of criminal justice policy – the falsely accused and wrongfully convicted.
