A unique population of juveniles, serious and violent juvenile offenders (SVJOs), has emergedas a public concern. A corollary concern is the effect of the mass media on juveniles. Addressing both issues, an exploratory study of copycat crime and the media's role in copycat crime's generation among a sample of SVJOs is conducted. The study's goals are to measure the prevalence of self-reportedcopycat crime in SVJOs and examine the correlates of self-reported copycat criminal behaviors. Concerning prevalence, about one fourth of the juveniles reportedthat they have attempteda copycat crime. The correlates of copycat behavior include a set of media and peer-related attitudes. Academic and demographic characteristics are not foundto significantly relate to copycat crime. Additional research on specific media, such as video games, as well as offender/nonoffender comparisons is suggested.

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Based on a survey of 249 incarcerated adults in a county correctional facility, the association between video game play and self-reported copycat crime was examined. Inmate video game players (n = 163) and nongame players (n = 86) are compared on demographics, personal copycat crime histories, media use, and a set of selected attitudes. The prevalence of copycat crime was not significantly different for inmate video game players than for nonplayers. Within the inmate video game player group, video games were not found to play a substantially different role than other types of media. The typical copycat crime inmate was a male with slightly more arrests who perceived himself as criminally innovate, had fewer real-world crime models, and was more immersed in media. Despite not supporting a unique copycat crime effect from video games or finding a greater risk for committing copycat crimes from game playing, this research offers additional insight into the broader dynamics of copycat crime and the general role of media in copycat offenses. Whatever their form, the media appear to have their greatest criminogenic impact on young and novice offenders and to serve more as crime-forming catalysts than crime-causing triggers.

Commonly perceived as rare, copycat crime has not been sufficiently studied. In an effort to encourage research, this research note offers a refined estimate of the proportion of offenders and at-risk individuals who report personal copycat crime histories. An analysis of 10 estimates spanning 50 years of self-reported copycat crime prevalence among just under 1,500 respondents was conducted. Collectively, the 10 study estimates indicate that about one in four respondents reported personal copycat crime histories. A random effects model indicated that prevalence estimates vary significantly across studies but effect moderators were not able to be identified. Copycat crime was indicated as a characteristic of a substantial number of offenders and at-risk youth. Copycat crime is deserving of more serious research and a number of associated research questions await attention.