Articles tagged with Crime
A University of Washington study found that sex-offender registries inflate counts by as much as 60%, with only 43% of listed offenders actually living in designated communities. The discrepancy is largely attributed to differences in data collection and reporting procedures among states.
Triclosan effectively preserves gasoline and fire starters in charred remains, enabling crime scene investigators to determine arson intent. This preservation method could help law enforcement officials catch criminals and reveal the true extent of arson problems.
A recent study found that strictly enforcing possession of alcohol under the legal age reduces the likelihood of teenagers engaging in alcohol-related crime as adults. Teens who experienced strict enforcement were arrested less frequently for vandalism and assaults as young adults compared to those with more lenient laws.
A recent study found that news coverage emphasizing the role of alcohol in violent crime and fatal injuries can increase public support for alcohol-control laws. The study revealed that most news reports on these topics fail to mention alcohol, leading to a lack of awareness about its contribution to accidents and violence.
A new report from Michigan State University criminologists found that local police were involved in nearly half of the identified product counterfeiting cases related to Michigan, highlighting their crucial role in combating this growing crime. The study also revealed alarming statistics, including a $3 million fine for an individual c...
A new study suggests that reading news articles linking alcohol to crimes or accidents increases support for enforcing alcohol laws. Participants who read articles mentioning alcohol's role showed higher support for laws regulating serving intoxicated people and sales to underage youth.
A new statistical model developed by Penn State researcher Cedric Neumann allows for the quantification of fingerprint evidence, paving the way for its full inclusion in criminal identification processes. The model enables the evaluation of fingerprint evidence on a continuous scale, rather than relying on subjective expert opinions.
Researchers have developed a statistical model to quantify the weight of fingerprint evidence, paving the way for its full use in courts. The current method relies on subjective certainty, not supported by logic or data.
A 24-month research project aims to develop a national profile of police integrity by analyzing police crime committed by sworn law enforcement officers. The study will determine the nature and extent of police crime in the US and how law enforcement agencies discipline officers who are arrested.
A study by UT Dallas criminologist Dr. J.C. Barnes found that genetic influences play a larger role in life-course persistent offending than environmental factors. For adolescent-limited offenders, environmental factors were more prominent.
Research found a 9% increase in violent crime after unilateral divorce laws were enacted, primarily among young individuals and those experiencing economic hardship
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.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that the number of guns sold by Badger Guns & Ammo and diverted to criminals tripled after the adoption of Tiahrt amendments. The study also found that reductions in gun sales linked to crime declined by 66% before the amendments took effect.
A large Swedish study found that having epilepsy is not directly linked to committing violent crime, contradicting common public opinion. However, individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury were more likely to commit violent crimes after diagnosis.
A new study found a strong relationship between adolescent drinking and criminal activity, including property crime, predatory crime, and victimization. Frequent alcohol consumption was associated with a greater probability of committing crimes and being victims, regardless of gender.
Research by Virginia Tech's Karen A. Roberto found that elderly women are nearly twice as likely to fall victim to financial abuse, while younger males between 30-59 commit most cases. Seniors can prevent financial abuse with awareness and precautions.
A decade-long study found that rehabilitating vacant lots reduces gun assaults across most of Philadelphia and vandalism in one section. Greening also associated with residents reporting less stress and more exercise in certain sections.
A University of Cincinnati study found that a small group of landlords own many properties with high crime rates, suggesting that property owners themselves may be the root cause of the problem. The researchers recommend focusing on educating and targeting these landlords to reduce police calls and crime in the area.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati present findings on housing vouchers, prison victimization, public land use and fear of crime. A study also explores the impact of living with a custodial grandparent on juvenile delinquency. The effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous as a judicial sanction is evaluated in another study.
Researchers found that photos taken by police and fashion agents share similar characteristics, highlighting the universality of image-making processes. The study suggests that both fields use documentary portraits to fix identities motivated by transformation, with similar lighting, poses, branding, and record-keeping.
A new 19-year study from Oregon State University reveals that fatherhood leads to significant decreases in crime, tobacco, and alcohol use in men. This finding suggests that becoming a father can be a transformative experience for men engaging in high-risk behavior.
Researchers at UCLA have designed a mathematical algorithm to analyze crime patterns and identify street gangs involved in unsolved violent crimes. The algorithm, which was tested on real data from an East Los Angeles police district, correctly identified the most likely gang rivalries 80% of the time.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that psychopathic killers use specific word patterns when describing their crimes, including more conjunctions and words related to physical needs. These patterns can help identify potential psychopaths, potentially aiding in diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed a DNA test that can identify deer poachers by detecting low levels of human DNA on deer carcasses. The test has been shown to be effective in recovering DNA profiles from poached deer remains, with a success rate of less than one in a billion.
A new study by University College London found that targeted policing can lead to a reduction in crime not only in the targeted area but also in surrounding locations, known as 'diffusion of benefits'. Problem-oriented policing was shown to have the greatest positive effect on crime in nearby areas.
Two studies cast doubt on whether sex offender registries work as intended, finding that registration requirements reduce reported sex crime by up to 13%, but public notification may actually increase recidivism. A third study finds no evidence that sex offender registries are effective in increasing public safety.
A new UC Davis study suggests that happier adolescents are less likely to get involved in crime or drug use. The researchers found a significant correlation between emotional well-being and reduced involvement in nonviolent crimes.
A new University of California-Davis study found that happier adolescents report less involvement in crime and drug use. The research suggests that programs increasing childhood happiness may have a notable effect on deterring nonviolent crime.
A new study reveals that schools with large minority populations are more likely to implement metal detectors, despite weak correlations with actual crime rates. In contrast, poverty is a significant predictor of security measures in elementary and middle schools, potentially contributing to early disparities in educational achievement.
A recent paper by Elizabeth Bennett highlights the alarming rate of wildlife extinction driven by organized crime syndicates. The trade, fueled by wealthy East Asian markets, uses sophisticated smuggling methods, including e-commerce and hidden compartments, to wipe out species at an unprecedented scale.
Researchers at Washington State University have devised a new way to analyze blood spatters at crime scenes, allowing investigators to determine the exact height of a source. The system uses known equations of projectile motion and data points form a neat line on a graph when plotted correctly.
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 study by Matt Evans finds that Israeli media frame information to separate secular and religious Jewish communities, using techniques such as selective reporting and emotive language. This division is not limited to Israel, with similar framing tactics observed in the US media.
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.
Research shows that building rapport before interviewing cooperative adult witnesses decreases the percentage of inaccurate information reported, especially when using open-ended questions.
Researchers at Iowa State University found that innocent suspects may confess to a crime to relieve short-term distress and avoid long-term consequences. In two experiments, participants shifted their admissions to avoid immediate questions, even knowing it increased the likelihood of future consequences.
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln study found that viewers' fears and attitudes about crime are influenced by the type of TV show they watch. Non-fiction documentaries increase fear of becoming a victim, while fictional dramas boost support for the death penalty.
A University of Montreal study found that playing on a criminal's guilt can yield more effective confessions than coercive methods. The research analyzed the conditions under which prisoners confessed to their crimes, highlighting the importance of police evidence and the interrogator's attitude.
Multisystemic therapy (MST) is more effective and costs less than current approaches to juvenile crime treatment, according to a new study. The research, led by University of Missouri professor Charles Borduin, found that MST results in significant cost savings for taxpayers and crime victims.
Researchers have developed a method to estimate human age from blood samples, which could be used to identify missing persons or solve crimes. The technique is based on the analysis of T cell receptors and has been shown to be highly accurate, with an error margin of nine years.
A team of researchers proposes a new way to measure urban exceptionality, suggesting that traditional per-capita measures are flawed. They found that cities tend to be persistent in their performance, with features like wealth and safety pairing up, and highly exceptional cities being smaller and more monocultural.
A new study by the US Forest Service found that certain types of city trees can reduce property and violent crime rates. Large street trees were associated with lower crime rates, while numerous small yard trees may increase crime by blocking views.
A new report by York University researchers finds that homeless young people are disproportionately victimized by violence and crime. The study, which interviewed 244 homeless youths across Toronto, highlights the need for a balanced response to address youth homelessness and crime.
Researchers argue that economic analysis can inform more effective criminal justice policies by reducing incarceration rates and focusing on prevention. They suggest devolving budgets for custodial sentences to local authorities, with financial incentives to drive cost-saving measures.
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.
A new study finds that young adolescents with delinquency problems are more likely to develop long-term crime, alcohol use disorders, and risky sex behaviors. Early intervention among disadvantaged youth may help prevent these outcomes.
A new study by researchers David Kirk and Derek S. Hyra found that foreclosures do not independently lead to increased crime rates in communities. The study suggests that both foreclosures and crime are products of similar community-level factors, including poverty, segregation, and political clout.
A newly developed DNA test can quickly analyze crime scene DNA and compare it to suspects' DNA, potentially keeping high-risk individuals incarcerated longer. The test, which takes four hours to produce results, is an improvement over current methods that take 24-72 hours.
A study of 561 children found that exposure to violent crime was associated with more severe asthma, even after adjusting for caregiver stress and socioeconomic status. The findings suggest that health care professionals should consider a child's social environment when treating asthma.
Studies find that civic engagement is associated with lower violent crime rates and all-cause mortality rates in communities. A robust civic climate, including institutions like churches and civic associations, and mechanisms like voting, is key to understanding community social problems.
Researchers use the GeoViz Toolkit to analyze disease statistics and identify trends in geographic patterns. This allows for better understanding of complex events like the spread of Swine flu.
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.
Researchers at UCLA use mathematical modeling to analyze urban crime patterns, identifying two types of 'hotspots' that respond differently to policing. The model predicts when increased policing efforts will displace or suppress crime, providing valuable insights for law enforcement.
A study by Georgia State University researchers found that young offenders' perception of an early death fuels their engagement in crime and violence. The study suggests that the prospect of a shortened life expectancy encourages young people to focus on immediate rewards, including crime.
A new study from North Carolina State University finds that the introduction of Latinos contributes to declining crime rates and lower poverty levels in small- and medium-sized towns. The research also reveals that an increased Latino population puts pressure on local schools, but not on economic costs or tax increases.
Researchers develop procedure for 3D reconstruction of crime scenes using single photograph, overcoming limitation of requiring at least two images.
Experts from 11 countries agree on a joint DNA-based database to combat child trafficking, with the goal of eradicating the crime. The DNA-Prokids Programme aims to reunite victims with their families and prevent further exploitation.
Gary Wells, a noted scholar on eyewitness misidentifications, is conducting two new studies to explore the thought processes of eyewitnesses when their memory fails. The studies aim to understand how mistaken identifications occur and develop a better theoretical understanding to improve police procedures.
Research identifies a 12-step process where morally upstanding individuals become embroiled in white-collar criminality due to organizational culture and leadership behavior. Key findings include the role of personality, life circumstances, and passive participants in the descent into crime.
Casework Genetics has developed a new technology to overcome mixed sample complexity, enabling law enforcement labs to solve crimes with greater precision and efficiency. The technology uses ultra high-density Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) arrays to distinguish characters within DNA.