Moroccan adolescent suspect offenders in the Netherlands: ethnic differences in offender profiles

V.C. Veen, G. Stevens, T.A.H. Doreleijers, W.A.M. Vollebergh

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Ethnic minority youths are over-represented in the juvenile justice system in Western societies. However, research on the nature of crime committed by these youths is lacking. In the present study, offending patterns of incarcerated native Dutch adolescents and adolescents of Moroccan origin were compared. Criminal record data were used to examine the offence history of 291 incarcerated adolescents. Offender types were determined through latent class analysis. Adolescents of Moroccan origin were incarcerated more often, for more offences and at a younger age than native Dutch adolescents. A four-class model of offender types was found: property offenders, violent offenders, sexual offenders and arsonists. Property offenders were mainly Moroccan adolescents, the other offender types consisted predominantly of native Dutch adolescents. Moroccan adolescents in pre-trial arrest in the Netherlands can be characterized as early starting offenders who persist in being incarcerated for property-based crime. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)545-561
JournalPsychology, Crime and Law
Volume17
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

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