Researchers examine how civilians respond during disasters, highlighting the emergence of 'swarming' collective action. They aim to re-think traditional concepts like preparedness and response to marginalize vulnerable populations.
Researchers aim to detect synthetic opioids, heroin, and a heroin substitute in saliva samples from inmates, arrestees, and DUI suspects. This study could save time and money by using a single sample for multiple drug tests.
Research at Sam Houston State University found that home-brewing techniques using unwashed poppy seeds can produce lethal doses of morphine. The study reveals the potential danger of consuming moderate volumes of poppy seed tea, which can lead to overdose or death.
A Sam Houston State University researcher is studying child abuse cases filed directly with police, aiming to strengthen the safety net for abused children in Texas. The study aims to determine if every child in need receives critical services at an earlier point in the investigation.
The article highlights key findings on safety strategies among female college students, who were more likely to report a safe haven if they had higher levels of social support. In contrast, youth involved in prostitution face inadequate treatment by police and social service agencies under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000.
A Sam Houston State University study found that half of witnesses did not select anyone from the lineup, with 78% accuracy when a selection was made. The results show challenges in identifying suspects, particularly for witnesses of different races or ethnicities and those exposed to guns.
A study by Sam Houston State University found that prison officials use disciplinary segregation as a punishment reserved for inmates with a history of misconduct. Inmates who were young, male, previously incarcerated, and serving longer sentences were more likely to receive disciplinary segregation.
A recent study published in Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that males with low resting heart rates were at significantly greater risk of engaging in stalking behavior. Males with heart rates one standard deviation below the mean or lower had nearly three times the odds of having engaged in stalking compared to other participants.
Glicksberg's study found that specimen pH, temperature and chemical structure had a significant influence on drug stability. Her research may help predict the stability of future synthetic cathinones.
A recent study by Sam Houston State University researchers found that Mexican citizens are more likely to support the death penalty than previously thought. Contrary to U.S. studies, Catholics in Mexico were found to be more likely to support capital punishment, while older Mexicans and those living in states bordering the U.S. were le...
Research by Sam Houston State University found that Native Americans and Latinos were more likely to be denied access to good time benefits, while Asian offenders had better access. The study suggests that race-based stereotypes may influence judges' decisions on sentencing.
The report highlights increased rates of rape incidents, intimate partner homicides, and human trafficking in Texas between 2010 and 2015. Notably, the rate of rape incidents reported to police was 44.4 per 100,000, with a 13% higher rate compared to the US.
A recent study found that women are more likely to cooperate with law enforcement in intimate partner sexual assault cases if they are married to the suspect, in a longer relationship, or have been threatened. Conversely, victims who feel their autonomy is being limited or blame themselves for the incident are less likely to participate.
A team of experts from Sam Houston State University is developing a novel investigative tool using micro Raman spectroscopy to analyze inkjet printer signatures. The goal is to provide reliable leads in counterfeit cases while being time-effective and non-destructive.
A new training initiative by the Houston Police Department is being tested for its effectiveness in reducing gender bias in police responses to sexual assault and domestic violence victims. The study, led by Sam Houston State University researchers, aims to improve the investigation and prosecution of these crimes.
Melinda Tasca, a Sam Houston State University assistant professor, received the prestigious W.E.B. Du Bois Fellowship to investigate racial and ethnic disparities in restrictive housing. The study aims to determine disparities in placements into restrictive housing and inform policy and practice.
Research by Sam Houston State University reveals that restorative justice programs are more effective in reducing recidivism rates than traditional court processing. The study found that even minimal interventions had a significant impact on reducing re-offending rates.
Researchers have developed a new risk assessment tool to aid in strategic planning for security, focusing on natural disasters, terrorist events, and major accidents. The Deliberative Method for Ranking Risk has been tested on 26 individuals and found that pandemic influenza, hurricanes, and earthquakes prompt the highest concerns.
The report from Sam Houston State University identifies factors that hinder victims of domestic violence, including criminal justice system response and internal fears. It also highlights the importance of coordinated community responses and domestic violence courts in addressing these concerns.
A recent study by Sam Houston State University found that up to half of college students experience intimate partner violence, emphasizing the need for campus safety planning. The research brief highlights the importance of educating students on personal safety strategies and providing access to resources for victims of abuse.
Researchers at Sam Houston State University developed a test to individualize marijuana samples using DNA analysis, linking drugs across cases. Pine pollen has also been found to be a viable source of DNA for criminal investigations, persisting on clothing for up to two weeks and helping link suspects or victims to locations.
A recent study from Sam Houston State University highlights the difficulties in detecting synthetic cathinones in biological samples due to their thermal degradation and instability. The researchers emphasize the need for a systematic approach to understanding the structural facets of these compounds to improve detection methods.
Researchers at Sam Houston State University are developing new sample preparation methods for skeletal and decomposing remains using emerging next generation DNA technology. The goal is to improve the ability to resolve more missing person cases, as conventional methods may fail.
A study by Sam Houston State University's Crime Victims' Institute found that only 88% of Title IX Coordinators received training on investigating sexual assault cases, while less than half were trained for stalking, intimate partner violence, or LGBTQ+ cases.
A study funded by the National Science Foundation investigates whether prison visitation can reduce recidivism rates and examines gender, racial, and ethnic differences in these patterns. The research aims to provide policy recommendations for improving prison visitation practices.
A Sam Houston State University study found that children of incarcerated mothers are more likely to experience attachment disruptions, separation anxiety, and depression. The study also showed a significant link between maternal incarceration and adult offspring's involvement in the criminal justice system.
A Sam Houston State University study found that mothers in abusive relationships are four times more likely to report threats against their children during the separation process. This indirect abuse can occur even after the relationship has ended and is a means for abusers to control victims.
The program provided a rare chance for participants to experience burn scenarios with controlled variables, yielding professional research-level training results. The five-day course covered fire science, death investigations, and forensic science, culminating in controlled experiments using cadavers.
In Trinidad and Tobago, ballistic imaging technology was hindered by inefficient processes, backlogs, and delayed information transmission. The country's Integrated Ballistics Information System (IBIS) generated few hits due to database delays and insufficient evidence input.
A recent study by Sam Houston State University professor Melinda Tasca found that two-thirds of children who visited a parent in prison experienced fear, anger, and anxiety. The study suggests that institutional environment and parent-child relationship are key factors shaping children's responses to prison visitation.
A study by the Crime Victims' Institute found that Texas has a shortage of beds for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and that many face barriers to accessing services, including language and financial issues. The survey also highlighted the need for more support services, particularly for underserved populations.
A new study from Sam Houston State University reveals that approximately 2% of US youth are gang members, with involvement highest at age 14. Gangs have high turnover rates, recruiting new members constantly to replace those who leave.
The study found that civilians offer numerous benefits to police departments, including cost savings, specialized skills, and improved community relations. However, it also raises concerns about job security, officer discretion, and operational disruption.
The Crime Victims' Institute at Sam Houston State University has released a new series on human trafficking, shedding light on the prevalence of sex trafficking victims worldwide. The research reveals that approximately 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked annually, with 70% of those forced into the sex trade internationally.
A study by Sam Houston State University's Crime Victims' Institute found that college students are at higher risk for stalking than the general public. Only one-quarter of college victims reported stalking incidents to police, compared to 32 percent of the general population.
A study conducted by Sam Houston State University and the Houston Police Department found that no single method of eyewitness identification is more reliable than others. The experiment tested four different methods, including sequential and simultaneous presentations, and revealed surprising consistency in results.
Human sex trafficking is a significant public health issue affecting the US, with an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 victims worldwide annually. The average age of entry into the sex trade for children is between 12 and 14, with lasting mental and physical health consequences.
A study by Sam Houston State University's Crime Victims' Institute found that Texas campus police often fail to respond effectively to stalking cases due to victim fears and lack of policies. The report calls for improved strategies and partnerships between law enforcement and colleges to better support victims.
A study at Sam Houston State University found that gang membership typically lasts around two years, with most youth joining between ages 10 and 16. The study also identified six pathways into and out of gangs, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and intervention programs.
A Sam Houston State University study examines the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in policing, identifying key uses and limitations. The review found that while GIS is widely used for crime mapping and profiling, there is a lack of independent evaluations on its effectiveness in curbing crime.
According to a 2010 CDC survey, an estimated 1.4 million women in Texas experience stalking during their lifetimes, with nearly half reporting weekly unwanted contacts. The report emphasizes the need for increased data collection and reporting on stalking to improve laws and support services.
The Environmental Crime Program Training (Project EnCriPT) offers a range of free, online courses on environmental enforcement and public health issues. These courses will help strengthen enforcement efforts across various levels and provide hands-on experience in processing hazardous materials scenes.
A recent study by Sam Houston State University found that online bullying creates significant fear among students who have experienced traditional bullying or gang activity. Cyberbullying is most prominent in minority populations, leading to negative effects such as decreased academic performance and increased anxiety.
Researchers found that a specific gene (MAOA) interacts with childhood adversity to predict higher rates of crime in an incarcerated sample. The study, published in Psychiatric Genetics, suggests that gene-by-environment interactions play a crucial role in understanding crime variation.
A new study by Sam Houston State University found that gang members are twice as likely to become both victims and offenders of a crime than non-gang members. The study suggests that gang membership is a common source of both forms of violence, with group processes and norms facilitating trading places between victim and offender.
Research found prenatal smoking and genetic risk factors increase aggressive behavior in children, particularly females, and that environmental experiences encompass more than just parenting.
A study found that African-American city police officers are rarely depicted as leading characters in films and when they are, they are overwhelmingly portrayed as comedic entertainment. The researchers argue that this perpetuates negative stereotypes and may impact public perceptions of African-American officers.
A Sam Houston State University study found that parents' substance use significantly increases the likelihood of their children using drugs. The study tracked 655 parents and 1,227 offspring over 27 years, revealing patterns of intergenerational drug use.
Two studies found that homosexuals and bisexuals are more likely to be victims of intimate partner violence, with a risk compounded by childhood abuse. Non-heterosexual victims were also more likely to experience substance abuse and health issues compared to heterosexual victims.
A new study by Sam Houston State University found that conflicts between work and family life were the most significant issues affecting correctional officers' stress and job satisfaction. The study identified demands from work, incompatibility between work and home roles, and family circumstances as major contributors to job stress.