XN000022-1973-09-26 — Page 4

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Wednesday, September 26, 1973

Among the research projects will be a study of statistical

analysis of records kept by the Social Welfare and Prisons Departments

to find out the social background of young offenders. This study is

now underway.

A second project will be a survey involving the interviewing

of offenders who could be approached through the two departments, the

purpose being to obtain more information on the causes which would

precipitate or contribute to the incidence of crime,

As a general conclusion, the sub-committee feels that there

is no single factor leading inevitably to criminal behaviour.

"Crime is the product of a multiplicity of factors interacting

with one another. Family circumstances, living environment and personal

adjustment vary from individual to individual so that every case of

criminal behaviour has its own story," the report adds.

The following are the terms of reference of the sub-committee:-

(1) To examine and consider:

(a) the range and assessment of crime

statistics currently available;

(b) the scope of relevant research and

other authoritative material;

(c) the social causes of crime, particularly

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violent crime.

/Having identified ......