[Contributions of the epidemiologic method to the rational study of juvenile delinquency]

In this study we analyze some of the contributions of the epidemiological method to the study of juvenile delinquency. We used 68,583 complaints to the Police during 1983-1986 to do so; furthermore, we asked the opinion of the citizens by means of an opinion poll of a representative sample of the population on the subject of public safety. The application of the techniques of Multivariant Analysis (Analysis of the Principal Components) allowed us to reduce the dimensions of the study and fix our attention on 8 specific crimes. We have attempted to design a system, using Predictive Epidemiology, for the evaluation of preventive measures applied to the rational fight against delinquency. Special emphasis is made on the presentation of a system of analysis for the calculation of the real rate of delinquency in a given community.