Law Enforcement
Articles tagged with Law Enforcement
WVU legal expert finds judges cautiously adopting AI while guarding human authority
New research from West Virginia University finds that judges are adopting generative artificial intelligence in courtrooms, but remain committed to human control over judicial decision-making. Judges use AI for administrative tasks like document summarization and case organization, but prioritize legal reasoning and final judgment.
Mainz University and the German Police University launch joint research project on qualified language mediation for efficient forensic communication surveillance
The QSEK project aims to develop general standards for the legally sound use of language-mediated evidence, provide targeted training, and support technological innovation. This will enhance investigative efficiency, reduce misinterpretation risk, and strengthen the reliability of forensic evidence.
Novel study maps changes in US immigration policy landscape since 9/11
A comprehensive analysis of US state and local sanctuary and anti-sanctuary policies reveals associations with immigrants' health outcomes. Sanctuary policies are linked to improved community trust, reduced crime, and higher employment rates, while anti-sanctuary policies increase deportation risk and negatively impact mental health.
Mortality in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention
A study estimates annual mortality rates among US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees between 2004 and 2026. The analysis reveals notable shifts in age and cause of death patterns over the two-decade period, providing valuable insights into the health risks faced by this population.
Setting standards of care for brain injuries in first responders
Researchers at Ohio State University developed the first evidence-based guidelines for traumatic brain injury recognition and management in first responders. The guidelines aim to improve care and support for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and others who risk head injuries on the job.
Police misconduct often traceable to warning signs before hire
Research analyzed pre-hire data and disciplinary records of 6,075 officers, finding that certain warning signs predict later misconduct. The study highlights the need for national police hiring standards to improve screening of candidates.
Thoughts don’t kill people, but study suggests options for keeping guns from doing so
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that over 7% of Americans have thought about shooting someone, while 8.7 million adults considered it in the last year. Firearm owners were no more likely to have these thoughts than non-owners, but 21% of those who had thoughts said they would consider giving their gun to someone for safekeeping.
Recreational cannabis laws may displace illegal cannabis markets
States adopting recreational cannabis laws in addition to medical cannabis laws experienced a 45% relative reduction in cannabis seizure counts. This decline suggests a reduction in illegal cannabis supply and changes in law enforcement priorities.
Global first: New Indigenous-led research initiative to revitalize legal orders
Next Steps: Rebuilding Indigenous Law is a new research initiative that empowers Indigenous communities to renew and rebuild their own legal systems. The project, supported by a $10 million investment, aims to rebuild entire Indigenous legal orders and revitalize traditional legal traditions.
Study finds Marion County Record raid created 'shared press distress' among fellow journalists
A recent study from the University of Kansas found that a 2023 police raid on a small-town newspaper in Kansas sparked
Finding meaning in your work may prevent burnout
Public service employees who find their work meaningful are less likely to experience emotional exhaustion and burnout. Regular feelings of helping others can buffer stress.
Perception of fraud as a “victimless” offense can weaken police investigations, study shows
A new study by Dr. Rasha Kassem and Professor Umut Turksen found that police officers perceive fraud as low-harm and low-priority, leading to weakened investigations and limited victim support. The researchers advocated for targeted training, investment in cyber and financial forensics, and cultural change within police organisations.
How to make ‘smart city’ technologies behave ethically
Researchers propose using the Agent Deed Consequence (ADC) model to program ethical values into smart city technologies. The model captures human moral judgments by considering agent intent, deed, and consequence, enabling AI systems to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate orders.
Duty solicitor generational mismatch risks eroding trust in the criminal justice system, study warns
A new study found that the growing age imbalance in the duty solicitor scheme risks eroding trust in the criminal justice system. The study warns of a looming generational crisis due to the financial burden of self-funding Solicitors Qualifying Examination fees, which is deterring younger solicitors from entering the profession.
From caller to criminal: How some 911 callers become suspects
Researchers identified five behaviors that might make a caller seem suspicious, including conveying strong emotion and urgency, while poor communication or trying to make a favorable impression drew more suspicion. The study highlights the importance of understanding factors that prompt early suspicion to prevent wrongful convictions.
Text message reminders for court appearances reduce warrants and pretrial incarceration
Researchers found that automated text message reminders significantly reduced bench warrants and pretrial incarceration rates. The study used software sent to clients of public defenders in California, resulting in a 20-21% decrease in missed court dates.
Former DOJ scientists advocate for justice-focused crime research as federal funding faces cuts
Two former Department of Justice scientists argue for transformative crime prevention research prioritizing social justice alongside public safety. They emphasize the need for research incorporating community perspectives and collaborative approaches to prevent harm and promote justice.
PSU researchers release final report in landmark project exploring impacts of Measure 110 decriminalization
The study examines the effects of broader criminal justice reforms on public health and safety. It found little evidence that Measure 110 was responsible for rising crime or overdose deaths, but rather attributed these trends to the COVID-19 pandemic and fentanyl emergence.
In study of cybercrime, users responded to phishing differently based on what kind of device they used
Researchers found that mobile users were less likely to click on phishing links compared to PC users, especially for lower-risk URLs. The study suggests that device use settings affect users' risk assessment abilities, leading to more avoidant behavior on mobile devices.
Counterfeited in China: New book assesses state of industry and its future
A new book by Rutgers University professor Ko-Lin Chin investigates the operations of illicit businesses in China's counterfeit industry. The author examines individual characteristics, economic aspects, relationships with organized crime, and demand for counterfeit goods.
USF research lab’s landmark report reveals 700K-plus human trafficking victims in Florida last year
The University of South Florida's Trafficking in Persons Lab estimates that more than 700,000 Floridians were trafficked last year. The lab's annual report highlights coordinated prevention, prosecution, and policy measures to combat human trafficking, with prosecutions rising and penalties exceeding the national average.
Findings of study on how illegally manufactured fentanyl enters U.S. contradict common assumptions, undermining efforts to control supply
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University found that illegally manufactured fentanyl primarily enters the US via counties along the Canadian border. The analysis revealed these counties accounted for over 40% of large fentanyl seizures in 2023-2024, despite comprising only 3.1% of the national population. This finding undermines eff...
Over confidence in finance bosses leads to environmental rule-breaking
A study of nearly 600 US companies over 17 years found that firms in states with stakeholder-focused laws are better at avoiding environmental issues. CFOs' personalities, especially if they're overconfident, can lead to risky decisions harming both the environment and the company.
New crucial guidance to empower nations to develop legal positions on cyber operations
The University of Exeter has unveiled a new Handbook providing practical guidance for states to develop or review their national positions on international law and cyber activities. The 176-page guide offers concrete and accessible steps for government lawyers, policy officials, academics, and experts in this rapidly evolving field.
Research reveals missed opportunities to save George Floyd’s life
Researchers analyzed 12 videos of bystanders' attempts to intervene during the 2020 George Floyd killing. They found that bystanders made over 205 direct verbal interventions, with most focused on checking George Floyd's well-being. However, police mostly ignored or rejected these interventions, leading to his tragic death.
Unmasking human trafficking: New AI research reveals hidden recruitment networks
A groundbreaking study using machine learning analyzes millions of online ads to uncover patterns linking deceptive job offers to sex trafficking networks. The research reveals a hidden supply chain that can now be exposed and interrupted earlier in the trafficking process.
UC study uncovers unexpected link between police spending, housing prices
A University of Cincinnati study found large, opposite moves in housing prices between low-income and high-income communities when analyzing police budgeting. Low-income areas saw a 13% increase in housing prices after increasing police spending, while high-income areas saw a 14% decrease.
Border region emergency medical services in migrant emergency care
A qualitative study reveals that migration has a complex influence on border-region emergency medical services, leading to more injuries and deaths. Increased federal funding is needed to support the work of local EMS clinicians, who are struggling with unsustainable strain.
Tele-buprenorphine initiations for opioid use disorder without in-person relationships
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that a proposed US Drug Enforcement Administration rule could prohibit more than 4,500 tele-buprenorphine initiations for patients with opioid use disorder. The rule requires an in-person visit with the tele-initiating clinician prior to or within 30 days after tele-initiation.
US tobacco 21 policies and potential mortality reductions by state
Early adoption of Tobacco 21 policies maximizes potential mortality reductions, but enforcement varies widely across states. The federal law's enforcement is crucial in states without state-level T21 policies.
Research captures plight of British children trapped in dire camps
New research from Lancaster University highlights the devastating impact of the UK's unprecedented use of citizenship stripping on British children trapped in dire camps in North-East Syria. The study calls for a children's right approach to repatriation decision-making to ensure safe return and family reunification.
Infrastructure, enforcement key to ridding food waste from landfills
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that most US states with food-waste laws have failed to reduce landfill disposal, except for Massachusetts, which saw a 7.3% decrease in waste. The researchers attribute Massachusetts' success to strong infrastructure and enforcement.
Special issue of Criminology & Public Policy examines gun violence
A recent special issue of Criminology & Public Policy explores the impact of legislative policies, criminal justice practices, and community-based efforts on gun violence. The studies featured in this issue aim to provide timely solutions to addressing this significant concern in the United States.
WVU forensic science research responds to DEA need for faster, better identification of drugs like fentanyl
A WVU research partnership with the DEA aims to improve fast and accurate identification of psychoactive substances like fentanyl. The Expert Algorithm for Substance Identification (EASI) will enable labs using different instruments to share data on chemical profiles, helping to identify drugs like fentanyl.
Medical board discipline of physicians for spreading medical misinformation
A cross-sectional study found a low frequency of physician disciplinary actions for spreading misinformation, despite increased salience and warnings since the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings suggest a disconnect between regulatory guidance and enforcement, questioning the suitability of licensure regulation in combating misinformation.
Age assurance online needs to be child rights respecting, new study says
A new study calls for a 'child rights' approach to age assurance online, emphasizing the need for robust evaluation, consultation with children, and protection of their privacy and civil rights. The research identifies serious concerns related to age assurance methods, including inadequate protections against online harm and exploitation.
UNH helps community document skeletal remains found on historic ‘poor farm’
Researchers from UNH's Forensic Anthropology Lab worked with town officials to investigate and document the remains, which showed signs of hardship and health issues. The reburial ceremony marked a rare opportunity for closure and respect for the individuals buried in hasty unmarked graves.
Pre-arrest diversion-to-treatment programs may reduce crime, overdose deaths
A new study found that completing a six-month substance use disorder treatment program instead of arrest and prosecution reduces the risk of arrest, incarceration, or fatal overdose. Participants who completed the program had a more favorable crime and overdose profile compared to those who did not engage or complete the program.
New research offers fresh hope to curb illegal orchid trafficking in Vietnam
A new study reveals that many Vietnamese orchid collectors are unaware of the dire status of endangered species and the harm caused by over-harvesting. The researchers suggest targeted awareness campaigns and collaborations can transform these collectors into key conservation allies.
WPI researchers awarded $2 Million grant to use science to combat wildlife trafficking
The WPI team will develop an inexpensive test kit that can quickly identify vulnerable species and track illegal wildlife trade on social networks. The project aims to disrupt the multi-billion-dollar industry by providing law enforcement with real-time results and long-term trends.
How policing impacts the homeless
A new Australian study reveals that people experiencing homelessness face constant and intrusive police interactions, leading to feelings of intimidation, harassment, and stigma. The research highlights the need for improved social security nets, community support services, and public housing infrastructure.
Universal background checks, permit requirements, and firearm homicide rates
A cross-sectional study found that universal background checks alone are ineffective in reducing firearm homicide rates, but permit requirements significantly lower these rates. Combining both measures could be an effective strategy to reduce firearm-related fatalities.
Study sheds light on shady world of text message phishing scams
Researchers collected an unprecedented amount of data on SMS phishing attacks, identifying 35,128 unique campaigns and 600 distinct operations. They also found that phishers use mainstream servers, URL-shortening apps, and web infrastructure to support their operations.
Over 115 million pills containing illicit fentanyl seized by law enforcement in 2023
Law enforcement seizures of illicit fentanyl increased dramatically between 2017 and 2023, with 115 million pills seized in 2023 compared to 49,657 in 2017. The proportion of fentanyl pill seizures quadrupled, posing significant risks to public health.
Dramatic increase in fentanyl seized by authorities in last six years
Fentanyl seizures in the US increased by 1,700% between 2017 and 2023, with pills accounting for nearly half of total seizures. The West region saw a significant increase in fentanyl pill seizures, while the South had the highest number of powder form seizures.
Two years post-Roe: Many women still concerned about privacy on period trackers, but few take action
Despite concerns about data privacy risks in the post-Roe era, many American women continue to use popular period-tracking apps without taking steps to protect their information. The study found that users are unsure how to take control of their data and feel in the dark about how it is used and shared on these apps.
Computer vision researcher develops privacy software for surveillance videos
A computer vision researcher has developed privacy software for surveillance videos that obscures identifiable information such as faces and clothing in real-time. The software, funded by the National Science Foundation's Accelerating Research Translation program, aims to balance surveillance needs with privacy concerns.
Mind the gender gap – Met police least trusted by women
A study found that women in London trust the police less than anywhere else in the UK, with a significant trust gap among ethnic minorities. The Met's poor recruitment, vetting, and management practices have been cited as contributing factors to this issue.
Problem property intervention in Boston reduced crime and disorder
The study found that problem property interventions in Boston reduced crime and disorder at target locations and nearby properties for many years. The program incentivized property owners to manage their properties better or sell them to new owners who could maintain them.
What drives ‘drug-induced homicide’ prosecutions in North Carolina?
A new study found that NC prosecutors believe DIH laws reduce overdoses and illicit drug distribution, but this is contradicted by evidence. The number of DIH prosecutions does not correlate with community-level variables like overdose rates.
DNA aptamer drug sensors can instantly detect cocaine, heroin and fentanyl – even when combined with other drugs
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed highly accurate DNA aptamers for detecting cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. The sensors can detect trace amounts of these drugs, even when mixed with other substances, offering a significant improvement over existing tests.
Firearm access and gun violence exposure among American Indian or Alaska native and Black adults
A substantial percentage of American Indian or Alaska Native and Black US adults reported living with loaded and unlocked firearms, frequent carry outside the home, and gun violence exposure. This highlights the need for nuanced public health campaigns and policies addressing racial disparities and changing legal frameworks.
Study shows background checks don’t always check out
A new study by University of Maryland researchers found that background checks can produce inaccurate results due to flawed data and algorithmic errors. The study showed that over half of participants had false-positive errors and nearly 90% had false-negative errors on both regulated and unregulated background checks.
Law enforcement seizures of psilocybin mushrooms rose dramatically between 2017-2022
Between 2017 and 2022, US law enforcement seizures of psilocybin mushrooms increased dramatically, with the total weight seized peaking in 2021. This trend reflects growing interest in psychedelic use, despite limited self-reported data on prevalence.
Dark web fentanyl-selling operations have grown rapidly, offer steep discounts
A recent study analyzed a prominent dark web fentanyl-selling operation that grew at an alarming rate, offering consumers significant discounts. The organization's sales growth and price markups made it difficult for law enforcement to shut down, allowing other organizations to fill the gap.
About 20% of patients listed as alive in their electronic health records were actually deceased according to California data
A study by UCLA researchers found that nearly 20% of patients with serious illnesses listed as alive in their medical records were actually deceased according to California data. This discrepancy led to hundreds of wasteful follow-up outreach efforts, straining resources and healthcare workers' time.
Sexual assault survivors deserve a gold standard reporting experience
A world-first report found that alternative reporting options could help increase the number of women who report sexual assaults to police. Trauma-informed interviews designed in line with best-practice techniques can improve outcomes for victim-survivors of sexual assault who use them.
"Recognition of human right to the environment can galvanize action and collaboration towards realization of sustainable development goals," eminent environmental lawyer says
The Human Right to Environment affirms the right to life itself, securing human health and wellbeing when humans protect nature. The recognition of this right drives governmental enforcement of environmental protection norms, requiring systemic change to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Unveiling real-time economic insights with search big data
A team of Japanese researchers created a big data-driven model that accurately forecasts key economic indicators in real time, eliminating the need for aggregated semi-macroeconomic data. The approach leverages search engine query data to identify highly correlated queries and provides timely insights into economic trends.