Men who lead a life of crime

A few weeks ago I stood chatting with other parents in the parking lot of my son's preparatory school. Suddenly, a young man raced by us. Soon, four heavily armed policemen followed in hot pursuit. He was chased behind the school buildings. Some minutes later, the young man reappeared, in handcuffs, held tightly by one of the lawmen. I joined the bemused onlookers as he walked by us, his eyes downcast. He was in his early 20s and looked like anyone of my nephews! All of us parents wondered what could have brought this decent-looking youth to run afoul of the law!

Statistics

Males account for the majority of crimes committed. About 10 per cent of youth, 10-19 years, either belong to a gang or are past members. Men are most likely to be involved in violence- related injuries such as police shootings and criminal attacks. In particular, young males between 20 and 29 years account for the majority of violence-related injuries in hospitals. Males are most often the victims of crimes except for sexual assault where females are the most likely to be involved. Most perpetrators of violent crimes are acquaintances of the men.

Negative factors

The high-risk behaviour of young men is strongly influenced by poor parent/child interactions. Youth who are treated with verbal and physical aggression are more likely to express themselves through aggression. Youth from fragmented or poorly structured families are deprived of training in social and life skills. Youth who are exposed to alcohol and drug use are more likely to use these substances to their detriment.

Ready access to weapons promotes their use in inflicting injuries and causing death. Corporal punishment has been shown to influence aggressive behaviour in youth. It seems that corporal punishment has a psychological and emotional impact on children leading to increased aggression. The presence of organised crime and garrison communities promotes criminal behaviour among youth who see this as an available option for acquiring quick money.

Positive factors

Factors which reduce the likelihood of boys becoming criminals include church attendance and having caring parents or guardians. The church provides a community resource for modelling appropriate behaviours and providing social support. Children who are in unstable families or a criminal environment can benefit from targeted interactions such as that in the Peace and Love in Schools programme.

Boys who lack organised activities can be targeted through youth clubs to be engaged in community services and sports. Boys who exhibit poor school performance should be drawn into homework centres to receive individualised attention for literacy remediation and reading support. Improvements in the environment through poverty alleviation, reduction in unemployment, improved housing, and job creation will help reduce the number of young men who choose the criminal life.

Dr Pauline Williams-Green is a family physician and president of the Caribbean College of Family Physicians; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.