Caribbean Advanced

Proficiency Examination
Caribbean Examinations Council

Candidate Name: Kason Shields

Internal Assessment: Caribbean Studies
School: Annotto Bay High School
Center Number:
Registration Number:
Year of Examination:
Grade: 12
Territory: Jamaica
TABLE OF CONTENT

PAGE

Project Title

Purpose of Project

Method of Data Collection

Presentation of Data

Analysis of Data

Findings

Discussion of Findings/Conclusions

Appendix

References
 PROJECT TITLE

To investigate the effects of crime on residents of Black Hill District, Portland and to
determine the measures that can be taken to reduce the crime rate in that community.
 Introduction
The title of this study is “To investigate the effects of Crime on residents in Black Hill

District, Portland and to determine the measures that can be taken to reduce the crime

rate in that community.” Black Hill is a rural district found in the country of Jamaica.

Black Hill District is home to approximately two hundred and fifty (250) residents. It

is known to be a peaceful community. However, there have been reports of multiple

criminal activities at homes of these residents. The study seeks to ascertain what kinds

of criminal activities are being committed, How often these criminal activities are

occurring? Who are most affected by these criminal activities? Who commits these

crimes and what solutions, if any have been put in place to solve this problem? .A

research was done, The study of why people commit crime is important, not only as a

field of behavioral research, but as a source of data for constructing public policy

models in response to criminal behavior. Greater understanding of why people commit

criminal offences enables policy makers and the general public to make better

decisions about the criminal justice system. From the population above 80

questionnaires was handed out using the systematic sampling method. The sampling

method systematically allowed for the village to be surveyed adequately hence, giving

value to the validity and reliability of the sample size and the data collected.
 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Applied Research will be used in carrying out this study. The study will collect data

from residents of Black Hill District, on the incidence of crime and how it affects the

community. Applied Research using Quantitative Methods is an appropriate method of

studying the effects of Crime in Black Hill District because no qualitative data exists

on the issue and the views of the residents are essential in determining the effects of

Crime in the community.

The method of data collection chosen is printed Questionnaires. A Questionnaire is a

set of pre-set questions given to persons who make up the population of the study. A

Questionnaire as a method of data collection is appropriate since it collects

quantitative data. It is fairly easy to distribute and generalizations can also be made

based on the data collected and applied in this case to residents of Black Hill District

and other small villages in Portland. A conventional questionnaire was designed to

collect data from respondents. There were sixteen (16) closed-ended questions.

Black Hill District has an approximate population of two hundred and fifty (250)

persons. The population of the sample was chosen using the systematic sampling

technique. Systematic Sampling is where the researchers selects every nth household

with ‘n’ being a particular number. In this study, every 4th household in Black Hill

Town, starting with the first house at the beginning of the district, was selected. One

member of each household was asked to fill out the questionnaire, preferably an adult

member of the household. A total number of eighty (80) households were selected.
The sampling method systematically allowed for the village to be surveyed adequately

hence, giving value to the validity and reliability of the sample size and the data

collected.

The study was conducted in February 2017. Three weeks in the month of February

(February 6th – February 19th) were used to collect data for the study. The

questionnaires were distributed to residents in Black Hill and the respondents were

given three (3) days to complete the questionnaires and return them to the researcher.

Analysis and Presentation of Data The data will be analyzed using graphic and tabular

methods. Descriptive statistics will also be used in analyzing and presenting the data.

Data collection was limited to administering questionnaires. Few observations were

made, since the type of problem being investigated did not allow much observation to

take place. The sample size is somewhat small and the findings apply only to the

community of Black Hill and cannot be generalized to all rural communities. Black

Hill was used mainly because it was a growing community and it was known to be a

peaceful place. However, over time, criminal activities and violence were out bursting

significantly. Difficulty was experienced in the distribution and collection of the

questionnaires since residents were most likely to be found on late afternoons when

they are at home at which time they would be occupied with domestic chores and

other affairs. Hence, the respondents took more time to answer and return the

questionnaires. Another limitation is the validity of the information given from the

respondents. Some respondents may not have given accurate answers because they

probably feel it is best not to say anything. This would also affect the validity of the

results.
 FREQUENCY TABLE
1. What gender are you?

GENDER FREQUENCY
Male 30
Female 50

2. What age group do you belong to?

AGE GROUP FREQUENCY

Under 20 10
21-30 years 25
31-40 years 20
41-50 years 15
Over 51 10

3. How long have you been living in Black Hill District?

TIME SPAN IN BLACK HILL FREQUENCY

DISTRICT
0-6 months 14
6 months – 1 years 9
1 year – 5 years 26
5 years and over 31

4. Do you think there is a crime problem in Black Hill District?

RESPONSES FREQUENCY
Yes 51
No 29

5. In your opinion is crime rate in Black Hill increasing or decreasing?

RESPONSES FREQUENCY
Increasing 52
Decreasing 28
 6. From what age group do you think the criminals in Black Hill mostly come
from?

Age Group Frequency

18 and under 11
18 years – 25 years 25
26 years – 35 years 30
36 years – 46 years 11
47 years and over 3

7. Who are most likely to be the criminal offenders in your community?

GENDER FREQUENCY
Male (Adult) 24
Male (Teenager) 40
Female (Adult) 12
Female (Teenager) 4

8. Which type of crime is mostly committed in the community?

TYPES OF CRIME FREQUENCY

Theft 25
Rape 9
Burglary 33
Assault 7
Trespassing 4
Others 2

9. At which time of the day are the crimes in your community mainly committed?

TIME OF THE DAY THE CRIME FREQUENCY

IS COMMITTED
Morning 12
Afternoon 6
Evening 30
Late Night 32

10. From which family type do you think the offender/ criminals are mainly from?

FAMILY TYPE FREQUENCY

Single Parent 37
Nuclear Family 12
Extended Family 6
Sibling Households 25
 11. What do you think is the main cause of crime in Black Hill?

MAIN CAUSE OF CRIME IN FREQUENCY

BLACK HILL
Lack of Education 19
Lack of Parental Control 2
Poverty 38
Gang/ Group 6
Unemployment 43
Others 3

12. What is the main consequence of crime in Black Hill District

MAIN CONSEQUENCE OF FREQUENCY

CRIME IN BLACK HILL
DISTRICT
Death 12
Feeling of Insecurity 29
Physical Hurt 27
Others 2

13. Would you report a crime to the police, whether or not it involves you?

RESPONSE FREQUENCY
Yes 50
No 30

14. How effective is the police force in the fight against crime?

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FREQUENCY

POLICE AGAINST
FIGHTING CRIME
Very Effective 9
Effective 10
Not Effective 61

15. Would you consider leaving the community of Black Hill District and move to
a safer community due to the level of criminal activities that are being
committed on residents?

RESPONSE FREQUENCY
Yes 53
No 27
16. What do you think the government can do to curb the issue of crime in Black
Hill District?

RESPONSE FREQUENCY
Make laws for harsher penalties 17
with crime related offense
Train the police on crime 21
prevention
Organize counseling session for 13
criminals
Provide employment 30
Others 0
 PRESENTATION OF DATA

1. What gender are you?

Pie chart showing the gender of the population

Gender
The pie chart
shows that
37.5% of the
respondents
37.50% Female were male
62.50% Male and 62.5%
were female

Figure 1

2. What age group are you in?

Bar graph showing age group of respondent

35
Majority of
30
Number of respondents

the
25 respondents
were from
20
the age group
15 of 21-30
10
5
0
under 20 21-30 31-40 41-50 over 51
Age group

Figure 2
 3. How long have you been living n Black Hill District?

Bar graph showing how long residence has been living in black hill district

5 years and over Persons who

have been
living in black
1 year-5 years hill for 5 years
and over had
the most
6months - 1 year
respondents

0-6 months

0 10 20 30 40 50
Number of respondents

Figure 3

4. Do you think there is crime in Black Hill District?

A Doughnut showing the percentage of people who think whether or not crime is in
the vicinity of Black Hill

This doughnut
states that
37.50% most of the
yes respondent
no (62.5) said
62.50% there is a lot of
crime in black
hill

Figure 4
5. In your opinion, is crime rate in Black Hill District increasing or decreasing?
Pie chart showing the increasing and decreasing of crime rate in the black hill
vicinity

Most of the
respondent
(65%) said the
crime rate is
35%
increasing in
Increasing black hill
Decreasing
65%

Figure 5

6. From what age group do you think the criminals in Black Hill District mostly
come from?

Table showing the age group of respondents

Age Group Frequency
18 and under 11
18 years – 25 years 25
26 years – 35 years 30
36 years – 46 years 11
47 years and over 3

Table 1

The table showing those 26 years to 35 years old

People commit the most crime in Black Hill.

 7. Who are most likely to be the criminal offenders in your community?

Pie chart showing who created the most crime in Black Hill

Males (80%)
are the ones
5% who are likely
15%
Female (adult) to be the
50% criminal
Female (teenager)
30% offenders in
Male (adult)
the black hill
Male (teenager) community

Figure 6
8. Which type of crime is mostly committed in the community?

A Column Graph showing the different Crimes committed in Black Hill District

35
Theft
30
25 Rape
Number of 20
respondents Burglary
who selected 15
these responses 10 Assault
5
0 Trespassing

Other

Crime Committed

Figure 7

A column graph that shows the number of residents who selected the type of crime that
is mainly committed in the village of Black Hill. It can be seen that thirty-three (33)
respondents indicated burglary as the main crime committed while nine (9) respondents
9. At which
indicated time
rape as theof the one.
main day are thecan
Theft crimes
be seenin as
your
thecommunity mainly
second highest crime committed
committed?
since twenty-five (25) respondents indicated this.
 10. A doughnut showing the time of the day the crime in your community mainly
committed

Crime
occurs
mostly in
Early Morning the late
Afternoon nights in
Black Hill.
Evening
Late Night

Figure 8

11. From which family type do you think the offenders/criminals are mainly from?

Bar Graph showing the family type from which criminal are mainly from

50
Percentage of Respondents

40

30

20

10

0
Single Parent Nuclear Family Extended Family Sibling Household
Family Structure

Figure 9

Most of the criminals are from

single parent family
 12. What do you think is the main cause of crime in Black Hill District?

Bar Graph showing the main cause of crime in Black Hill District

50
Percentage of Respondent

40 A pie chart which shows the

30 percentage of residents who
20 selected the different causes of
10 crimes. The main cause of crime
0 in Black Hill was Poverty which
was indicated by 38% of the
respondents, while
Unemployment, the second
highest, was indicated by 38%
.Causes such as Gangs/Groups
Cause of Crime
and Lack of parental control
were indicated as the main
cause by only 6% and 2%
respectively of the total
respondents.

Figure 10

13. What is the main consequence of crime in Black Hill District?

A Bar Graph showing the consequences of crime in Black Hill District

others

Physical Hurt
Effects

Feeling of Insecurity

Death

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Number of Residents

Figure 11
A bar graph that shows the effects that crime has on residents in Black Hill. Out of
the eighty respondents that participated in the survey, thirty-nine (39) of them
indicated that the major effect that crime has on them in the feeling of insecurity.
Others felt that physical hurt is one of major effect of crime which was indicated by
twenty-seven (27) respondents. Effects such as Death only saw twelve (12)
indications and only two (2) persons indicated other effects.
 14. Would you report a crime to the police, whether or not it involved you?

Pie Chart showing whether or not the persons in Black Hill District would report a
crime to the police whether or not it involves them

Majority of the
respondents (73.75%)
said they would not
report the crime
51.25% No because they would
like to take it in their
73.75% Yes
own hands.

Figure 12

15. How effective is the police force in the fight against crime?

Bar Graph showing how effective is the police force in the fight against crime

Very Effective

Effective Very Effective

Effective
Not Effective Not Effective

0 20 40 60 80 100
Percentage of Respondents

Figure 13

Most of the respondent said that

the police are not effective
 16. Would you consider leaving the community of Black Hill District and move to a safer
community due to the level of criminal activities that are being committed on
residents?

Pie Chart showing the persons who take into consideration about staying or
leaving the community

Majority of the
respondent
(66.25) would
like to leave
33.75%
Yes the community

No
66.25%

Figure 14

17. What do you think the Government can do to curb the issue of crime in Black Hill
District?

A Bar Graph showing what people think the government can do to curb the issue of crime
in Black Hill District

40
Percentage of respondents

35 Make laws for harsher

30 penalties with crime
25 related offences
20
15 Train the police on crime
10 prevention
5
0
Organise counceling
sesson for criminals

Provide employment

Figure 15

Most of the respondents suggested that the

government should provide jobs for the people
of the black hill district.
 ANALYSIS OF DATA

Age Frequency Midpoint f × Xm Cumulative

Group (f) Frequency
(Xm)
18 11 9 99 11
years
and
under
18-25 25 21.5 537.5 36
years
26-35 30 30.5 915 66
years
36-46 11 41 451 77
years
47 and 3 23.5 70.5 80
over
∑f= ∑f(x)=
80 2073

Mean =

2073
80
= 25.91

Median =

1
/2(80 + 1 ) = 1/2× 81 = 40.5

Median = 41 rounded to two significant figure.

𝑛
−𝑐𝑓
2
Lm + ×𝑐
𝑓

80
−36
2
26+ × 9 =31.2
30
Mode

𝑓5
L + 𝑓p+𝑓5 × 𝑐 =

25
26 + 77+25 × 9 = 28.21
 FINDINGS

Based on the findings of the study, it can be deduced that in Black hill the population is mostly a
youthful one. Out of eighty (80) persons questioned, 12.5% of them were under 20 years old.
Residents in the age group of 21-30 make up 31% of the population and 25% make up the 31-40
age groups. 19% of the population is between the ages of 41 – 50 years old while the oldest range of
residents (over 50 years) represents only 12.5% of the total population. The majority of crimes
committed in Black Hill District are burglary and theft which was indicated by thirty-three (33) and
twenty-five (25) respondents respectively. This is also evident from the fact that quite a large
amount of residents have burglar bars at their doors and windows. There were nine (9) respondents
who selected Rape as a crime committed while eight persons (8) selected Assault. Only four
persons indicated that Trespassing was one of the main crimes committed in Black hill and one
respondent selected “Other” as a type of crime. When questioned about the type of household that
the criminals would originate from 46% of the respondents indicated that they come from Single-
parent families. 25% persons indicated that criminals would come from a nuclear type of family
while 21% persons said Sibling Household. Few persons indicated that criminals would come from
an Extended family type which was only 8% of the total respondents. It is quite evident from the
study that the family household that does not have two or more parental figures is the ones where
criminals are more likely to originate. According to the findings, the main causes of crime that are
committed in Black hill are poverty and unemployment. Poverty, which was indicated by 38% of
the respondents, is the main cause of crime. Unemployment is the second highest, which was
indicated by 38%. It can be deduced that these criminals are very poor and may not have the
necessary means to sustain life due to the fact that they are unemployed and so commit crimes.
When asked about the effects that crime may have on residents in, Black Hill thirty-nine (49%)
persons indicated that they feel insecure in the location in which they are living. Twenty-seven
(34%) persons indicated that they have been physically hurt as a result of criminal activities
committed while twelve persons indicated that death is a major effect that crime has on residents in
Black Hill. Residents were asked if they would leave the community and move to a safer place to
live because of the level of criminal activities committed in Black Hill. 79% of those residents said
that they would migrate while the remaining 21% said that they would stay. On examining the
responses made to the question “What do you think the residents of Black hill can do to help reduce
crime in their community?” Some respondents said that they would purchase more burglar bars and
place them onto their windows and doors along with locks. Some said that they would be more
cautious with their houses, their property and also their surroundings. Others said that they can
establish a neighbourhood watch system that would monitor criminal activities during the night and
day when most crimes are being committed. In response to what they think the Government can do
to curb the issue of crime in Black hill, many respondents indicated that they can establish a new
police station within the community, have guards and watchmen. Some indicated that they can
implement fines on criminals who are caught committing crimes while others felt that they should
be jailed.
 ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS

My research indicated that Black hill, a rural area, had an increase in criminal

activities being committed on residents. Black hill was known to be a peaceful and

non-violent community, however during recent times there has been an increase in the

occurrence of criminal activities in Black hill. In addition, my research indicated that

the majority of the crimes being committed in village of Black hill are burglary and

theft as was said by. The other types of crimes being committed are rape and assault

From my research, it was indicated by the majority of respondents that they feel

victimized and feel insecure in the area that they are living in because of the level of

criminal activities being committed in that area. This is because they are uncertain as

to when crime will occur. Some residents are very concerned about whether or not

they will be affected by crime and how it will affect their immediate family members.

Additionally, my research supported the latter part of that point. The majority of

residents in Black hill did indicate that they are thinking about migrating from the area

that they are living in due to the high level of criminal activities occurring and so

would migrate to an urban area or another parish which is seen as a safer place to live.

It can then be assumed that criminals, while entering the homes of residents to steal

their personal belongings, physically hurt the residents when they try to protect their

belongings from being stolen by these criminals.

Some possible reasons why criminals still persist in committed criminal activities

could be that they are lazy and chose not to work for what they want. They prefer to

reap the benefits of other peoples work rather than getting paid after they have

worked, the “easy living”. In addition, they also dislike going to and performing at

school because they feel as if the demands and commitment that education requires are

not worth it in the long run. Other social and cultural factors that could explain the

causes of crime are the type of household that these criminals originate from. My

research indicated that most crimes being committed are committed by persons who

come from single parent and sibling household families.

In minimizing the negative effect that residents of Black Hill experience from criminal

activities, the following recommendations were made:

1. According to the type of crime being committed, instead of imprisonment as a form

of punishment, criminal offenders should be counseled and educated about the effects

that criminal activities may have on residents. A trained counselor would be recruited

to conduct counseling sessions. These sessions are conducted twice a week on

Mondays and Wednesdays for 2 hours from 4 – 6 pm. The counseling will take place

at the Black Hill All Age School in a small private classroom. Group counseling

would also be offered once a week on Fridays from 4 - 6 pm. The counseling sessions

will end depending on the how mentally healthy the criminal is.

2. Education about how to protect yourself from crime for the residents of Black Hill

District. This includes safeguarding their personal belonging and their property. The

community board can establish an annual crime awareness month campaign on crime
and crime prevention. In this campaign, the community can come together at the Black

Hill square to listen to exciting lectures from special speakers who will be lecturing on

crime and how to protect themselves from any criminal who may try to commit

criminal activities. Also, ministers and other government representatives can come in

and listen to what the community members have to say. Residents of Black Hill should

be given an opportunity to voice their opinions about what they are experiencing as a

community and assist in whatever way they can to minimize the negative effects that

the residents encounter.

3. High Fines and penalties for criminal activities committed by criminals especially

when it involves residents and their personal belongings can be used when

imprisonment is not practical.

4. The Government of Jamaica should implement a program that will provide

employment to more persons who are unemployed and are more likely to commit

criminal offences.

The study was a survey of the effects of crime on residents of Black Hill District. It

sought to ascertain what kinds of criminal activities were being committed in Black

Hill, how often these criminal activities are occurring, who are most affected by these

criminal activities, who commits these crimes and what solutions have been put in

place to solve this problem. Based on the findings it can be concluded that there is a

high level of criminal activities in the small community of Black Hill. These criminal

activities have a negative effect on the residents living there. Some of effects include

physical hurt, loss of personal belongings, death and insecurity. The effects also
contribute to the migration of these residents from an area which is seen as unsafe

(their current location) to a place which is much safe (an urban area or another state).

Some of the factors that contribute to crimes being committed by criminals are social

and cultural factors such as the type of family household that these criminals come

from, poverty, unemployment and a lack of education.

 QUESTIONNAIRE
Direction: Please indicate your level of agreement or disagreement with each of these

question regarding my problem statement “To investigate the effects of crime on

residents of Black Hill District, Portland and to determine the measures that can

be taken to reduce the crime rate in that community” with a tick or write on the

lines provided.

1. What gender are you?

[ ] Male
[ ] Female

2. What age group do you belong?

[ ] Under 20 years

[ ] 21 - 30 years

[ ] 31 –40 years

[ ] 41-50 years

[ ] Over 51 years

3. How long have you been living in Black Hill?

[ ] 0-6 months

[ ] 1 year – 5 years

[ ] 6 months – 1year

[ ] 5 years and over

4. Do you think there is a crime problem in Black Hill?

[ ] Yes
 [ ] No

5. In your opinion, is crime rate in Black Hill increasing or decreasing?

[ ] Increasing

[ ] Decreasing

6. From what age group do you think the criminals in Black hill mostly come
from?

[ ] 13 and under
[ ] 13 – 15 years
[ ] 15 – 18 years
[ ] 18 years and older

7. Who are most likely to be the criminal offenders in your community?

[ ] Males (Adult)

[ ] Male (Teenager)

[ ] Females (Adult)

[ ] Female (Teenagers)

8. Which type of crime is mostly committed in the community?

[ ] Theft

[ ] Rape

[ ] Burglary

[ ] Assault

[ ] Trespassing

[ ] Others _______________________________

9. At which time of the day are the crimes in your community mainly
committed?

[ ] Morning

[ ] Afternoon

[ ] Evening
 [ ] Late nights

10. From which family type do you think the offenders/criminals are mainly from?

[ ] Single parent

[ ] Nuclear Family

[ ] Extended

[ ] Sibling Household

11. What do you think is the main cause of crime in Black hill?

[ ] Lack of Education

[ ] Lack of Parental Control

[ ] Unemployment

[ ] Poverty

[ ] Gangs/Groups

[ ] Other __________________

12. What is the main consequence of crime in Black Hill?

[ ] Death
[ ] Feeling of Insecurity
[ ] Physical Hurt
[ ] Other ______________

13. Would you report a crime to the police, whether or not it involved you?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No

If yes please move on to the next question. If not, then please continue from
the following question.

14. How effective is the police force in the fight against crime?
[ ] Not Effective
[ ] Effective
[ ] Very Effective
 15. Would you consider leaving the community of Black Hill and move to a safer
community due to the level of criminal activities that are being committed on
residents?
[ ] Yes
[ ] No

16. What do you think the Government can do to curb the issue of crime in Black
Hill?

[ ] Make laws for harsher penalties with crime related offences

[ ] Train the police on crime prevention
[ ] Organize counseling session for criminals
[ ] Provide Employment
[ ] Other _____________________________________________________

ANALYSIS OF DATA
MEASURES OF CENTAL TENDENCY

Age Frequency Midpoint f × Xm f×X2m

Group (f)
(Xm)
18 years 11 9 99 891
and
under
18-25 25 21.5 537.5 11556.25
years
26-35 30 30.5 915 27907.5
years
36-46 11 41 451 18491
years
47 and 3 23.5 70.5 1656.75
over
= 30 = 2073 = 60502.5

(∑𝒇.𝑿𝒎 )𝟐
∑𝒇.𝑿𝟐𝒎 –( )
𝒏
S2= =
𝒏−𝟏
 (𝟐𝟎𝟕𝟑)𝟐
𝟔𝟎𝟓𝟎𝟐.𝟓 –( )
𝟖𝟎
S2 = 𝟖𝟎−𝟏
𝟒𝟐𝟗𝟕𝟑𝟐𝟗
𝟔𝟎𝟓𝟎𝟐.𝟓 –( )
𝟖𝟎
S2 = 𝟕𝟗

𝟔𝟎𝟓𝟎𝟐.𝟓 –𝟓𝟑𝟕𝟏𝟔.𝟔𝟏𝟐𝟓
S2= 𝟕𝟗

𝟔𝟕𝟖𝟓.𝟖𝟖𝟕𝟓
S2=
𝟕𝟗

S2 = 85.9

√𝒔𝟐 = √𝟖𝟓. 𝟗

S = 9.27