Welcome to Athena Research Corporation on the World Wide Web. Since 1979, Athena Research Corporation has focused on the sociological study of crime. On these pages, you can read about our latest publications, services and staff. Athena conducts research and trains both government and industry in crime prevention methods and security. Rosemary J. Erickson, Ph.D, a Forensic Sociologist and President of Athena Research Corporation, provides expert witness services in cases involving security issues in premises liability cases and the criminal actions of third parties for foreseeability and standard of care. Dr. Erickson has taught at San Diego State University and American University. Dr. Erickson's Vita is available here.

Please visit the Research Updates section for the latest information and check back regularly for new features.

The Summary and Interpretation of the Preliminary Annual Uniform Crime Report, 2008 Federal Bureau of Investigation has been posted to our website. View this document at our Research page.

Teenage Robbers
Teenage Robbers, released February 2004, by Athena Research Corporation is now available for free download. This is a powerful and significant study of teenage armed robbers, conducted by Dr. Rosemary Erickson, one of the country’s leading experts on crime and violence. Dr. Erickson, led this investigation into why teenage robbers commit their crimes, how they do it, and what they look for. The study explores the thinking and motives of the robbers and reveals what they think made them violent. For the study, 178 incarcerated robbers, ages 13 to 18, were surveyed and interviewed. The teenage robbers are compared with the adult robbers from one of Erickson’s previous studies reported in the book Armed Robbers and their Crimes. The robbers from both studies include ATM, bank, fast food, convenience store and home invasion robbers; street muggers; and car jackers. The study confirms that, as expected, the teenage robbers are more violent than the adults. They are, in fact, almost twice as likely to injure or kill their victims as adult robbers are. Dr. Erickson’s message from this study is that “If you save these kids and others like them, you will end up saving lives—theirs and yours”.

The 20-page technical report entitled Teenage Robbers, includes 25 tables in color, discussion and analysis and is available for download from this web site. Click here to download your complimentary copy of the report. Professors and students are encouraged to use the report for studies of criminal justice, and practitioners will find the information useful in planning programs.