Doug Huffman
Banned
imported post
http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080305/NATION/531683278/1002
The popularity of IPods and other portable — and pricey — high-tech products may be contributing to nationwide increases in violent crime, says a study by the Urban Institute.
Nationwide, the rate of violent crimes jumped in 2005, the same year IPod sales soared after the introduction of a video-capable IPod, according to FBI crime statistics. This is in contrast to the steady decline in other areas of crime since the early 1990s.
"It's not that all crime is going up. That's an important distinction," said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum.
Because property crimes continue to decline, he suggested that criminals may be turning away from vehicle and home theft because expensive devices, such as IPods, can be more easily stolen from people on the street. He is reluctant, however, to exclusively blame IPods for the increase in homicides, calling it only one factor.
The IPod, in addition to its value, may be attractive to thieves because the device is relatively easy to snatch away from inattentive users. Unlike a cell phone, IPod earbuds go in both ears, potentially making the user less aware of his or her surroundings. The earbuds also have distinctive white cords.
"This sends a signal to a would-be robber that this is something very expensive," said John Roman, author of the study.
The study could only indirectly link the increase of IPod use to the rise of violent-crime rates since police records aren't always specific enough about the crime. A direct link may never be made because victims of theft may not know why they were specifically targeted, Mr. Roman said.
Alternative explanations for the rise in violent crime also were explored in the study, such as the diverting of police to national security roles, or a more violent youth culture.[Emphasis added] However, Mr. Roman said these observations do not explain why the increase specifically occurred in 2005, or why the rise occurred only in homicide and robbery.
Technology and police experts debated the study at a panel discussion at the Urban Institute. Several panelists said companies that produce high-demand and high-tech devices should be held accountable. Some suggested that the devices should have more security such as a log-on name, which might discourage criminals from stealing them.
"It's got to be something they know in advance that lets them know it's not going to be worth their time," Mr. Roman said.
Businesses are also less likely to change their products unless it hurts them directly, said John Eck, professor of criminal justice at the University of Cincinnati. But because the harm is on the consumer side, and those consumers are likely to purchase a new device, there is little incentive for the business to add more security.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080305/NATION/531683278/1002
The popularity of IPods and other portable — and pricey — high-tech products may be contributing to nationwide increases in violent crime, says a study by the Urban Institute.
Nationwide, the rate of violent crimes jumped in 2005, the same year IPod sales soared after the introduction of a video-capable IPod, according to FBI crime statistics. This is in contrast to the steady decline in other areas of crime since the early 1990s.
"It's not that all crime is going up. That's an important distinction," said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum.
Because property crimes continue to decline, he suggested that criminals may be turning away from vehicle and home theft because expensive devices, such as IPods, can be more easily stolen from people on the street. He is reluctant, however, to exclusively blame IPods for the increase in homicides, calling it only one factor.
The IPod, in addition to its value, may be attractive to thieves because the device is relatively easy to snatch away from inattentive users. Unlike a cell phone, IPod earbuds go in both ears, potentially making the user less aware of his or her surroundings. The earbuds also have distinctive white cords.
"This sends a signal to a would-be robber that this is something very expensive," said John Roman, author of the study.
The study could only indirectly link the increase of IPod use to the rise of violent-crime rates since police records aren't always specific enough about the crime. A direct link may never be made because victims of theft may not know why they were specifically targeted, Mr. Roman said.
Alternative explanations for the rise in violent crime also were explored in the study, such as the diverting of police to national security roles, or a more violent youth culture.[Emphasis added] However, Mr. Roman said these observations do not explain why the increase specifically occurred in 2005, or why the rise occurred only in homicide and robbery.
Technology and police experts debated the study at a panel discussion at the Urban Institute. Several panelists said companies that produce high-demand and high-tech devices should be held accountable. Some suggested that the devices should have more security such as a log-on name, which might discourage criminals from stealing them.
"It's got to be something they know in advance that lets them know it's not going to be worth their time," Mr. Roman said.
Businesses are also less likely to change their products unless it hurts them directly, said John Eck, professor of criminal justice at the University of Cincinnati. But because the harm is on the consumer side, and those consumers are likely to purchase a new device, there is little incentive for the business to add more security.
