Encyclopedia of Street Crime in America
- Jeffrey Ian Ross - University of Baltimore, USA
Anyone living or working in a city has feared or experienced street crime at one time or another; whether it be a mugging, purse snatching, or a more violent crime. In the U.S., street crime has recently hovered near historic lows; hence, the declaration of certain analysts that street life in America has never been safer. But is it really? Street crime has changed over past decades, especially with the advent of surveillance cameras in public places—the territory of the street criminal—but at the same time, criminals have found ways to adapt. This encyclopedic reference focuses primarily on urban lifestyle and its associated crimes, ranging from burglary to drug peddling to murder to new, more sophisticated forms of street crime and scams. This traditional A-to-Z reference has significant coverage of police and courts and other criminal justice sub-disciplines while also featuring thematic articles on the sociology of street crime.
Features & Benefits:
- 175 signed entries within a single volume in print and electronic formats provide in-depth coverage to the topic of street crime in America.
- Cross-References and Suggestions for Further Readings guide readers to additional resources.
- Entries are supported by vivid photos and illustrations to better bring the material alive.
- A thematic Reader's Guide groups related entries by broad topic areas and, within the electronic version, combines with Cross-References and a detailed Index for convenient search-and-browse capabilities.
- A Chronology provides readers with a historical perspective of street crime in America.
- Appendices provide sources of data and statistics, annotated to highlight their relevance.
"Ross... adroitly compiles informative essays...., focusing on street crime in the largest U.S. cities.... The well-written and well-researched articles, by 146 scholars representing major universities across the country, range in length from a few hundred words to several pages. VERDICT: An outstanding one-volume source on a subject that regularly makes headlines. Researchers and readers at all levels will value highly its compelling information, ease of use, and sensible organization."
"...Encyclopedia of Street Crime in America provides complete, current coverage of a unique and relevant topic. Not only is the volume an invaluable resource for students of sociology, psychology, criminology, criminal justice, and political science but it contains interesting and useful information on a topic that affects us daily, making this volume a great addition to public and university libraries."
"...readers will learn a considerable amount from this volume. Written in a readable style and eschewing theory for people and places, this is a perfect starter volume for a high school or undergraduate term paper. Summing Up: Recommended."
