SUMMARY
Both the number of juvenile arrests and the juvenile arrest rate increased
during 1991. In 1991, a total of 4,675 juvenile arrests were reported, up from 4,350
in 1990, yielding a percentage change of 7.5%. The 1991 arrest rate in San Mateo County
was 32.7 per one thousand children, up from 30.5 in 1990. The statewide juvenile
arrest rate was 31.2 in 1991. If children under twelve years are not included in the
at risk population of San Mateo County, the arrest rate was 45.5 per one thousand
children, compared to 44.0 for the state.
All categories of juvenile violations (felonies, misdemeanors and status offenses)
increased in number from 1990 to 1991. Misdemeanor arrests continue to make up the
majority of arrests of children in San Mateo County (57.6%.) However, felony charges
represented a larger proportion of all juvenile arrests in 1991 than in 1990 (an increase
of 2.7%,) while misdemeanors and status offenses each accounted for smaller proportions
(down 2.6% and 0.1% respectively.) This trend may be due to either an increase in felony
crimes committed by children, a shift in arrest policies and procedures, or a combination
of the two. Total arrests of juveniles for alcohol and drug violations remained
fairly constant in 1991; however, felony arrests for alcohol and drug offenses increased.
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