UPSC MainsMANAGEMENT-PAPER-II2011 Marks
Q24.

Question 24

Read the situation given below and answer the questions given at the end of it. A district police officer has collected data regarding 75 crime-sheeters in his district. This data is given in the table below. The data shows the age of the crime-sheeter when the First Information Report (FIR) was registered. Answer questions (i) to (iv) by showing all the steps.

How to Approach

This question requires a statistical analysis of the provided data on crime-sheeters. The approach should involve calculating descriptive statistics like mean, median, mode, and range to understand the age distribution. Further, the data should be grouped into classes to create a frequency distribution and potentially a histogram. The analysis should be presented step-by-step, demonstrating a clear understanding of statistical methods applicable to crime data analysis. The answer should focus on providing insights into the age profile of crime-sheeters, which can be useful for targeted interventions.

Model Answer

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Introduction

Crime data analysis is a crucial component of effective policing and crime prevention strategies. Understanding the demographic profile of offenders, including their age, is essential for developing targeted interventions and resource allocation. The age at which an individual first engages in criminal activity can provide valuable insights into the underlying factors contributing to crime, such as socio-economic conditions, educational attainment, and exposure to risk factors. Analyzing such data allows law enforcement agencies to move beyond reactive policing towards a more proactive and preventative approach. This response will analyze the provided data on 75 crime-sheeters to determine their age distribution at the time of their first FIR, employing basic statistical methods.

Data Analysis of Crime-Sheeters' Age

The following analysis is based on the provided data of 75 crime-sheeters and their ages when the First Information Report (FIR) was registered. Since the actual data table is missing, I will assume a hypothetical dataset for demonstration purposes. The principles and methods remain the same regardless of the specific data values.

Hypothetical Dataset (Example)

For the sake of illustration, let's assume the following age distribution (this is not the actual data, but used to demonstrate the analysis):

Age Group Frequency
18-21 25
22-25 20
26-30 15
31-35 10
36-40 5

Step-by-Step Analysis

1. Descriptive Statistics (Based on Hypothetical Data)

  • Mean: To calculate the mean age, we would sum all the ages and divide by the total number of crime-sheeters (75). Assuming an average age of 23 within each group, the mean would be approximately 23 years. (This is an approximation based on the hypothetical data).
  • Median: The median is the middle value when the data is arranged in ascending order. With 75 crime-sheeters, the median would be the 38th value. Based on the hypothetical distribution, the median age would fall within the 22-25 age group, likely around 23-24 years.
  • Mode: The mode is the most frequently occurring value. In this hypothetical dataset, the 18-21 age group has the highest frequency (25), making it the mode.
  • Range: The range is the difference between the highest and lowest age. Assuming the youngest is 18 and the oldest is 40, the range is 22 years.

2. Frequency Distribution and Grouping

The data can be grouped into classes (as shown in the hypothetical table above) to create a frequency distribution. This allows for a clearer visualization of the age distribution. The classes should be of equal width to facilitate comparison.

3. Histogram (Conceptual)

A histogram can be constructed based on the frequency distribution. The x-axis would represent the age groups, and the y-axis would represent the frequency. The histogram would visually demonstrate the concentration of crime-sheeters within different age groups. In our hypothetical example, the histogram would show a peak in the 18-21 age group.

4. Interpretation and Implications

Based on the hypothetical data, the analysis suggests that a significant proportion of crime-sheeters are young adults in the 18-25 age group. This finding has several implications:

  • Targeted Interventions: Programs aimed at preventing youth crime, such as educational initiatives, vocational training, and counseling services, should be prioritized.
  • Risk Factor Assessment: Further research should investigate the risk factors associated with criminal activity in this age group, such as poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and exposure to negative influences.
  • Community Policing: Community policing strategies should focus on building relationships with young people and addressing the root causes of crime in vulnerable communities.
  • Rehabilitation Programs: Rehabilitation programs should be tailored to the specific needs of young offenders, focusing on skill development, education, and behavioral change.

It is important to note that this analysis is based on a hypothetical dataset. A real-world analysis would require access to the actual data collected by the district police officer.

Conclusion

Analyzing the age distribution of crime-sheeters is a vital step towards developing effective crime prevention and intervention strategies. While this analysis was based on a hypothetical dataset, the principles and methods outlined can be applied to real-world data to gain valuable insights into the demographic profile of offenders. Focusing on targeted interventions for young adults, addressing underlying risk factors, and strengthening community policing efforts are crucial for reducing crime rates and promoting public safety. Further research and data collection are essential for refining these strategies and ensuring their effectiveness.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Crime-Sheeter
A "crime-sheeter" is an individual with a history of involvement in criminal activities, often tracked by law enforcement agencies due to their propensity for committing crimes. They are typically identified based on their past FIRs and criminal records.
FIR (First Information Report)
A First Information Report (FIR) is a written document prepared by the police when they receive information about a cognizable crime. It is the first step in the investigation process and contains details about the alleged offense, the complainant, and the accused.

Key Statistics

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data (2022), approximately 66.4% of arrested persons in India were in the age group of 18-30 years.

Source: NCRB, Crime in India Report 2022

As per the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the juvenile justice system deals with offenders below the age of 18 years. In 2022, approximately 30% of crimes committed were by individuals under 18 years of age.

Source: NCRB, Crime in India Report 2022 (Knowledge Cutoff: Dec 2023)

Examples

The Delhi Police's Operation Durdant

Operation Durdant, launched by the Delhi Police, focuses on identifying and monitoring repeat offenders (crime-sheeters) to prevent them from committing further crimes. This involves regular surveillance, verification of their activities, and proactive intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of analyzing the age of crime-sheeters?

Analyzing the age of crime-sheeters helps identify vulnerable age groups, allowing for targeted interventions and preventative measures. It also aids in understanding the developmental factors that may contribute to criminal behavior.