Gender, age, and ethnic differences in offending behavior among Hispanic/Latino criminal justice clients

Abstract

Hispanic/Latinos are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system. Using convenience sampling, the present study examined the lifetime and recent offending behavior of Hispanic/Latinos involved in community corrections in Miami, Florida. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Participants were mostly male (59.7%), less than 40 years old (84.1%), and almost half were of Cuban descent (48.5%). Women were less likely to manufacture or sell drugs than men (AOR=.42, p<.03), and more likely to report recent prostitution (AOR=7.34, p< .001) and stealing from houses or shops (AOR=2.68, p<.01). Central Americans were less likely to report alcohol and drug related offenses than Cubans. Findings suggest that criminality among Hispanic/Latinos may vary by gender and by subgroups. Prevention programs should be tailored accordingly.

An examination of acculturation, ethnic identity, discrimination, and offending among U.S. Hispanic persons

“…In addition, while the current study established the importance of these relationships, how the effects of cultural processes vary by Hispanic populations should be explored in future research. As noted for ethnic identity, there is notable variation across Hispanic groups ranging from structural to individual-level characteristics (Ibañez et al, 2019). For example, most college degrees held by Hispanic persons are held by Colombians (32%); Salvadorians are the least likely to hold advanced degrees (7%); Hispanic subgroups are largely concentrated by region, with Cubans the most concentrated population (48%) in Miami, Florida (Motel & Patten, 2012).…”