Misdemeanor Crime Rates in the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Declared a national emergency on March 1, 2020, the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has caused major change in everyday life and crime statistics across United States (U.S.). The research this study aims to assess changes reported misdemeanor crimes Alachua County, Florida first year of COVID-19 pandemic, as well rate committed by certain genders race demographics. Data was collected from County Clerk Circuit Court’s On-Line Court Records Document Images Access Page January 2019 December 2020. results were consistent with researcher’s hypothesis that number overall cases filed would substantially increase regardless or gender, likely result social disorganization community unrest. However, original hypotheses women Black people be seen committing higher rates 2020 due gender inequality racial biases rejected, data showing no statistical significance for these populations. A potential explanatory factor findings is an overcommitment responsibilities put upon girls, fear prejudice lack unity amongst people. These are important highlight latent functions state ordinances enacted mitigate spread COVID-19, spotlight necessary control reduction techniques must implemented simultaneously adapt “new normal.”