A survey of 118 campus law enforcement officers found that 72% had responded to at least one sexual assault case, with 77% receiving specialized training. However, only 64% understood federal requirements under the Clery Act, highlighting a need for improved training and awareness.
A team of researchers led by Sam Houston State University identified areas of improvement in the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) database. The study found that criminal investigators rarely used ballistics reports to link weapons used in multiple crimes due to delays in reporting. To address this, the federal ...
The report provides a summary of laws and policies to better protect victims of domestic violence, highlighting the link between firearms and lethal intimate partner violence. Several federal and state laws, including the Gun Control Act of 1968 and Texas law, prohibit gun ownership by abusers in domestic violence cases.
A Sam Houston State University study found that nearly four out of every five families where parents were involved with intimate partner violence had adult children who perpetrated violent acts against partners, and three out of every four families had adult children who became victims of the crime. Most participants, regardless of gen...
Most Texas college campuses offer health services and safety infrastructure, but fall short on counseling services and victim advocacy.
Researchers at Sam Houston State University are investigating new methods to preserve tissue samples and speed up the DNA identification process after mass disasters. The goal is to improve DNA preservation and processing, enabling faster victim identification and closure for families.
A survey of 652 individuals in Texas found that 74% were familiar with the state's sex offender registry, but only 43% had accessed it. Only 17% took protective measures after using the registry, mostly due to concerns for their safety or children's safety.
The graduate student's research focuses on improving school security through architectural design, proposing solutions such as castle designs and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. The study highlights the importance of incorporating security features into school design without compromising aesthetics or budget constraints.
A recent study published in Justice Quarterly found that most online activities of gang members are typical of their age group, with a rate of committing crimes or deviant acts online 70% greater than those not in gangs. Gang members use social networking sites and watch YouTube videos as status symbols.
A study by Sam Houston State University found that most Texas public school districts have adopted dating violence policies, but few offer safety provisions for victims. The report suggests that districts develop clearer consequences and programs to raise awareness about teen dating violence.
A new study reveals that cyberstalking victims experience increased self-protective behaviors, including changing jobs or email addresses, and face higher financial costs compared to traditional stalking victims. The study also finds that cyberstalking victims exhibit greater fear over time, suggesting a more severe condition.
The study found that offenders who participated in Windham educational programs generally had lower re-incarceration rates and higher earnings. Participants achieved significantly higher reading, math, and language scores than non-program participants.
Intimate partner violence is more likely to occur in working couples, with over 60% of women reporting victimization. The study highlights the impact of female employment on relationship dynamics and suggests that clinicians should address specific risk factors and cultural differences when treating victims.
A study by the Crime Victims' Institute at Sam Houston State University found that childhood bullying can lead to long-term health consequences, including general and mental health issues, behavioral problems, eating disorders, smoking, alcohol use, and homelessness. The study recommends investing in victim services and effective preve...
Researchers at Sam Houston State University are creating a laboratory test to detect key components of bath salts in biological samples. The new test will target eight common synthetic cathinones found in the substance, which poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies and forensic toxicology labs.
The elderly are at higher risk for property crimes, self-neglect, and abuse, with financial swindles being one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse. Studies have shown that older homicide victims are more likely to be female and killed by family members or in the course of a robbery.
Dr. Travis Franklin's studies found that Native Americans, especially young males, face harsher sentences than whites, African Americans, and Hispanics in federal courts. In another study, he discovered that Asian Americans are the least likely to be incarcerated and receive shorter sentences in state courts compared to other racial gr...
A recent study published in Aggressive Behavior suggests that genetic risk factors condition the effects of corporal punishment on antisocial behavior, especially in male children. Additionally, research finds a link between life course persistent offenders and rape, implying a possible genetic origin for the latter.
Researchers at Sam Houston State University have discovered a new biomarker, ACTA, in liver samples following cyanide poisoning, which may extend its detection window up to two months. Elevated cyanide concentrations can only be detected for up to two days under current toxicological testing.
A study by Sam Houston State University found that nearly 16% of college students in Texas have played the Choking Game, a dangerous behavior involving manual choking or suffocation. The majority of participants were males under 15 years old, and most learned about it from peers.
Researchers at Sam Houston State University are developing new methods to detect designer drugs like 'bath salts', which can produce powerful and unpredictable effects. The study uses solid phase extraction, chromatography, and spectroscopy to identify beta-keto amphetamines in biological samples.
A recent study by Sam Houston State University found that GPS monitoring of Arizona sex offenders triggered a significant number of false alarms, consuming an inordinate amount of probation officers' resources. The study recommends improving the system to reduce non-violation alerts and increasing officer training to address these issues.
The resource center offers core competencies, a mentoring program, and a library with over 400 documents to support effective jail administrators. Key findings include the development of 22 core competencies and a mentoring program to groom experienced leaders and recruit new employees.
A team of researchers at Sam Houston State University will study a new mental health court in Montgomery County, evaluating its effectiveness in reducing recidivism rates and improving life skills. The three-year project aims to assess the program's cost-effectiveness and jail diversion outcomes.
A recent study by the Crime Victims' Institute examines state laws addressing adolescent sexual activity and suggests decriminalizing consensual relationships between close-in-age teens. The report also proposes using education classes instead of punishment, with options for parents to control their child's behavior through restraining...
A new study funded by the National Institute of Justice will investigate the issue of untested rape kits in Houston and develop strategies to solve the problem. The project includes collaboration between researchers from Sam Houston State University, the University of Texas at Austin, and law enforcement agencies.
A study by the Crime Victims' Institute found that gang members are twice as likely to be victims of crime than non-gang members, with increased risks of assault and drive-by shootings.
A survey of college students at two universities found that more students were uncomfortable with concealed weapons on campus than those who supported it. The study, conducted by Sam Houston State University, found significant differences in opinions between students' comfort levels with guns on campus versus the wider community.
The award recognizes the university's portable, scalable self-contained wastewater-treatment system that converts wastewater into effluent meeting EPA standards in under 24 hours. The technology has been adapted for potable water production with minor modifications.
Sam Houston State University will study the use and effectiveness of the national Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) database to connect crimes to a single firearm. The research aims to identify best practices for improving the system's effectiveness and understand why some law enforcement agencies do not use it.
The new laboratory will provide forensic services in up to 5,000-6,000 criminal investigations annually, including toxicology analysis and drug identification. It is part of a larger program focused on criminal justice and related areas.
The US Army has taken delivery of the first two units of a revolutionary waste-water treatment system developed by Sam Houston State University. The system uses proprietary bacteria to clean polluted water with high efficiency and can be deployed in remote areas with minimal infrastructure.
Researchers developed a revolutionary packaged wastewater treatment system using naturally occurring bacteria, leaving no toxic by-products and requiring minimal energy. The system has been deployed in Afghanistan and offers scalable solutions for large-scale and small-scale applications.
Researchers found that zero tolerance laws had no effect on the number of nighttime accidents involving drivers under 21. Instead, other factors such as heavy drinking and mild drinking were consistent across all accident types.