Aggravated Battery and Social Control in Indianapolis
This paper examines aggravated battery in Indianapolis, Indiana, one of the U.S. cities with the highest recorded rates of this offense. Using a mixed-methods research design that combines quantitative crime statistics with qualitative survey data, the study investigates whether informal social control is more effective than traditional policing in reducing aggravated battery. The paper outlines a crime analysis framework—encompassing descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive approaches—and proposes a structured survey instrument targeting 80 community participants. It also addresses stakeholder communication and argues that community-based social control complements rather than replaces formal law enforcement in addressing violent crime.
- Introduction: Aggravated Battery in Indianapolis: Overview of Indianapolis aggravated battery statistics and context
- Crime Analysis Framework: Diagnostic and predictive crime analysis approach explained
- Research Question and Survey Instrument: Research question and seven-item survey presented
- Research Design and Methodology: Mixed-methods design, sampling, and data collection plan
- Stakeholder Communication and Thesis: Purpose, stakeholder roles, and thesis statement outlined
- Conclusion: Social control complements policing in reducing crime
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What makes this paper effective
- Clearly articulates a focused research question that directly compares two crime-reduction strategies — informal social control versus formal policing — providing a logical anchor for the entire study.
- Applies a four-part crime analysis framework (descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, prescriptive) that demonstrates structured analytical thinking rather than relying solely on narrative argument.
- Balances methodological transparency by explaining sampling rationale, data collection procedures, and storage plans, giving the research proposal credibility and replicability.
Key academic technique demonstrated
The paper demonstrates the use of a mixed-methods research design within a criminology context. By pairing quantitative crime statistics from the FBI and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department with qualitative open-ended survey data from community participants, the author shows how triangulation of data sources can strengthen both descriptive and prescriptive claims about crime trends.
Structure breakdown
The paper is organized into two labeled parts — a crime analysis report and an applied criminology research proposal — followed by a conclusion and references. Within the research proposal, sections move logically from the legal definition of the offense, to the research question and survey instrument, through research design, study population, data handling, stakeholder communication, and thesis statement. This progression mirrors a standard research proposal format suitable for undergraduate criminology coursework.
Introduction: Aggravated Battery in Indianapolis
Aggravated battery is a serious problem both globally and within the United States. In Indianapolis, Indiana, cases of assault are particularly high. According to FBI records, Indianapolis registered 7,099 cases of aggravated assault in 2016 — the highest count among the cities surveyed (FBI, 2016). The cases are distributed between men and women, with both experiencing incidences of physical violence and rape. While these statistics reflect underlying factors that contribute to the escalation of crimes from simple to aggravated offenses, there are also social and legal factors that influence how such crimes can be deterred. This means the community has a role to play in curbing crime, creating an environment that discourages criminal behavior, and contributing to the development of laws that address these challenges. Despite the intent behind aggravated battery — which may include killing, robbing, or raping — the prevalence of such offenses can be significantly influenced by how the community responds to crime.
References
Corsaro, N., & McGarrell, E. F. (2009). Testing a promising homicide reduction strategy: Re-assessing the impact of the Indianapolis "pulling levers" intervention. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 5(1), 63–82. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-008-9065-1
FBI. (2016). 2016 Crime in the United States. FBI–Indiana.
Hipple, N. K., & Magee, L. A. (2017). The difference between living and dying: Victim characteristics and motive among nonfatal shootings and gun homicides. Violence and Victims, 32(6), 977–997.
Magee, L. (2020). Identifying victims of firearm assault in Indianapolis through police and clinical data. Oral Presentations.
Magee, L. A., Dir, A. L., Clifton, R. L., Wiehe, S. E., & Aalsma, M. C. (2020). Patterns of adolescent gun carrying and gun-related crime arrests in Indianapolis, Indiana over an 11-year time period. Preventive Medicine, 139, 106199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106199
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