One of the points suggested by our investigation of crime was that there apparently existed no relation between the number of crimes committed and the population. In order to arrive at more definite conclusions, an investigation was made into the number of commitments to State penitentiaries, covering a period of 18 years. A similar investigation was made of commitments to State reform schools, from the time of their inception to the present year. Tables have been submitted presenting data obtained. It will be noticed in both tables that the total number of yearly commitments in the entire State fluctuates considerably. These fluctuations are even more marked in the counties. In order to more clearly present the data in the preceding table, the chart following has been prepared. The curve of population and the curve showing the number of commitments to State penitentiaries have been plotted to a proportional scale. If any relation existed between these two curves, the one representing the number of commitments should follow closely along the curve of population. However, a wide discrepancy is very noticeable in the chart. Some very interesting conclusions are brought out by a study of the curves in this chart. If we are correct in assuming that the number of commitments is in a fair way proportional to the number of crimes committed, we must conclude that no relation exists between the crimes committed and the population, but rather, that there are periodic or spasmodic waves of crime; and further, that crime has decreased in proportion to population. In our investigation of felonies, it was found that a very large part of the persons convicted were of tender age. In order to aid in the prose cution of our investigation, data was secured from the two State Reform Schools, at Ione and Whittier. The tables following covering commitments for the two fiscal years, 1906-07 and 1907-08, were compiled from this information : Table of Juvenile Crimes, Showing Ages and Condition of Offenders Committed to Preston and Whittier Schools for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 1907. Glenn No commitments. Imperial Inyo.. Kern Kings Lake 15 Male Return from parole. Worked in lumber yard. No commitments. No commitments. 13 Male Incorrigible---- Los Angeles. 17 Male. Burglary Carriage painting. 12 Male Grand larceny. 16 Male Burglary 16 Male Burglary 15 Male Burglary 17 Male Burglary 16 Male Grand larceny Lumber company; gas company. Errand boy; stock boy. Clerk; teamster. Helper in machine shop. Orange picker. Window and door making. Skate maker. Was employed; is an illegitimate; stole bicycles. Worked at brickyard; running away from home and school. Worked at candy store and theater. Unemployed; running away from home and stealing. Unemployed; stealing; is an illegitimate. Unemployed; stole bicycles. |