Rikollisuuden

Rikollisuus, or criminality, is a concept used in sociology, criminology, and law to describe actions that violate criminal law and are punishable by the state. In Finnish usage, the genitive rikollisuuden is used in phrases like rikollisuuden kehitys (the development of crime) or rikollisuuden estäminen (crime prevention).

Crimes are commonly categorized into violent crime, property crime, drug offenses, white-collar crime, cybercrime, and organized crime. Official classifications vary by jurisdiction, but common patterns exist in many countries, including Finland, where statistics are organized into major groups by the National Police or Statistics Finland (Tilastokeskus).

Measurement relies on police reports, court records, and victimization surveys. The crime rate per 100,000 inhabitants, and the proportion of offenses cleared by the police, are standard indicators. Cross-country comparisons require attention to differences in definitions and reporting practices.

Risk factors include age, prior conduct problems, substance use, economic deprivation, and weak social supports. Theories include routine activity theory, strain theory, and labeling theory. Prevention emphasizes policing, early intervention, education, social services, and rehabilitation.

Policy aims balance public safety, the rights of suspects, and the needs of victims. In Finland, criminal law is contained in the Rikoslaki and related statutes, with procedures administered by the courts and the police. Internationally, crime control benefits from cooperation on issues such as human trafficking, narcotics, and cybercrime.