Delinquency, Arrest and Early School Leaving*

Boys typically initiate delinquent behaviour during their teenage years, and many go on to be arrested. We show that engaging in delinquency and being arrested in youth are each associated with early school leaving. The effect of delinquency on school leaving is largely driven by crimes that produce a monetary return, and the increase in school leaving is greater when onset of these types of crime, and arrest, occur at younger ages. The sizeable impact of delinquency on school leaving highlights the need for crime prevention efforts to extend beyond youth who come into contact with the justice system.

Automated summary

Research indicates that engaging in delinquency and being arrested during adolescence are linked to early school leaving, especially for crimes that bring monetary returns. The impact on school leaving is greater when these activities occur at a younger age, emphasizing the importance of extending crime prevention efforts to a broader range of youth.