Citation

Surette R. Crime Delinq. 2002; 48(1): 46-69.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0011128702048001002

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A unique population of juveniles, serious and violent juvenile offenders (SVJOs), has emerged as a public concern. A corollary concern is the effect of the mass media on juveniles. Addressing both issues, an exploratory study of copycat crime and the media's role in copycat crime's generation among a sample of SVJOs is conducted. The study's goals are to measure the prevalence of self-reported copycat crime in SVJOs and examine the correlates of self-reported copycat criminal behaviors. Concerning prevalence, about one fourth of the juveniles reported that they have attempted a copycat crime. The correlates of copycat behavior include a set of media and peer-related attitudes. Academic and demographic characteristics are not found to significantly relate to copycat crime. Additional research on specific media, such as video games, as well as offender/nonoffender comparisons is suggested.