By Fredrik Sivertsson, Christoffer Carlsson, Ylva B. Almquist, Lars Brännström

Aim

The current study explores heterogeneity in the aggregate age-crime curve. This is achieved by analyzing to what extent there is empirical support for the existence of pivotal typologies in developmental and life-course criminology, as well as whether there is any heterogeneity in trajectories among adult-onset offenders (first recorded for crime at age 25 or later).

Methods

Data were drawn from a population-representative birth cohort of 14,608 males and females, followed prospectively in registers from age nine to 64. Trajectories of antisocial and criminal behavior were identified by means of group-based trajectory modelling.

Results

A small group with a high prevalence of crime across the life course, among both males and females, was found. Furthermore, a large proportion of offenders were adult-onset offenders, and there was meaningful heterogeneity in their criminal trajectories. However, the data did not lend much support to the hypothesized phenomenon of late-blooming.

Conclusion

There is meaningful heterogeneity in the aggregate age-crime curve, including trajectories that resonate fairly well with predictions derived from Moffitt's taxonomy. Nevertheless, there are firm reasons for theorizing proximate causes for the onset and continuation of crime beyond emerging adulthood.

Journal of Criminal Justice, Volume 91, March–April 2024, 102155, 24 pages