New data shows juvenile crime actually decreases during summer months

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - School is out for summer break.

Traditionally, the concern is that as temperatures go up so does the number of kids committing crime.

However new data shows the opposite happened in Shelby County the past two years.

Crime actually dropped to its lowest numbers during the summer months, that’s according to a public information request submitted to Shelby County Juvenile Court.

Jessie Dryden, Director of Research for Shelby County Juvenile Court,  says data shows a significant drop in juvenile court cases in June, July and August for the past 2 years.

April, May and September had the highest complaints.

In 2023 April and May clocked the most Juvenile complaints.

In May there were nearly 594 juvenile court cases.

There were about  300 fewer complaints in June which happens to be the first full month of summer break.

Action News 5 asked Dryden if the fact that there are no truancy cases in the summer is the reason for the significant decrease in the summer.She says she doesn’t think so entirely-- because the court doesn’t serve truancy notices until October, so that wouldn’t explain the dramatic increase in September.

“What research really indicates what really discourages youth misconduct during summer is really linked to structured programs such as having access to summer camps,  sports leagues, educational workshops those type of opportunities,” said Dryden.

Throughout Shelby County there’s no shortage of summer camps and activities for youth during the summer.

Ephie Johnson, President of Neighborhood Christian Centers will be offering free activities for 350 youth in some of the city’s most troubled areas.

The non-profit will offer activities such as overnight summer camps, field trips and college tours.

“We are very strong on positive childhood experiences and emotional fitness,” said Johnson.

“So, we are working on programs that have them thinking about gratitude, how to think about forgiveness and then also resilience through our cure violence initiatives,” said Johnson.

Juvenile Court officials say data shows there is consistency, however, for the time of day crime typically occurs-

5pm to 9pm, that’s after school hours and before curfew.

Dryden says programming for youth for that time period during the school year is vitally important.

Here is a link to find more information on how your organization can partner with the Juvenile Court.

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