Sociology ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-13-2018

Abstract

Objective. To examine the role that gender plays in the clearance of a reported criminal incident, and whether it varies across places. Methods. Using multi-level logistic regressions, data from the 2014 National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), 2010 Census data, 2013 Law Enforcement Management Statistics, and the 2010 Municipal Yearbook are used to examine the effects of a victim’s sex on crime clearance. Results. Women are initially advantaged in clearance before controlling for any evidentiary factors. However, most of the relationship is explained away when controlling for the relationship between the victim and the offender. Women are more likely to be victims of crimes where the offender is known, which is positively related to clearance and could explain why women are more likely to have their crimes cleared initially. Crime incidents taking place in the South have lower odds of being cleared, and those taking place in areas with larger police organizations have higher odds of being cleared. Gendered-contextual factors appear to play no significant role in clearance. Conclusion. The results indicate the need for further research on the relationship between gender and clearance. The cases that men and women are involved in seem to influence clearance patterns, and further research could explore how this varies by criminal offense type, specifically by whether the criminal offense is typical for male or female victims.

Degree Name

Sociology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Sociology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Maria B. Velez

Second Committee Member

Dr. Christopher J. Lyons

Third Committee Member

Dr. Wayne A. Santoro

Keywords

clearance, gender, NIBRS

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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