Articles tagged with Crime
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.
Researchers at NC State University have received a $1.4 million grant to create an unprecedented cyber infrastructure for multi-agency collaboration in crime scene investigations (CSI). The platform, called IC-CRIME, will employ 3D laser scanning technologies and game engines to virtually reconstruct and preserve crime scenes.
Researchers found no correlation between community garden presence and property crimes in Houston neighborhoods. However, residents reported a positive influence of gardens on neighborhood revitalization and perceived safety.
Prison environments can benefit from behavior modification techniques, such as systematic reinforcement of pro-social behaviors. Decreasing prison populations is also crucial, particularly for those with high-risk behavior, and providing job training to help prisoners reintegrate into society.
Scientists in Japan have created a universal QProbe system, a new PCR method that amplifies DNA traces more efficiently and accurately. This breakthrough technology has the potential to expand use of PCR in medicine, law enforcement, and other fields, making it faster, less expensive, and more specific.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers estimates that after five years of staying clean, an individual with a criminal record is no greater risk of committing another crime. The study suggests it may be safe to hire ex-offenders with clean records, providing employers with data to inform their hiring decisions.
Research suggests that even perceiving one's neighborhood as unsafe can be hazardous for elder health, leading to mobility disability. The study found a strong correlation between perceived danger and actual violent crime rates.
Researchers found no significant increase in violent crime among people with schizophrenia, contrary to previous assumptions. The study suggests that substance abuse co-occurring with schizophrenia is a key factor contributing to violence.
A study published in JAMA found that substance abuse increases the risk of violent crime in individuals with schizophrenia, with a 4.4-fold increased risk for those with comorbid substance abuse. The study also suggests that current practice for violence risk assessment and management may need review.
A new study found that former prisoners are less likely to return to jail if they expect longer sentences for future crimes. The study used Italy's Collective Clemency Bill as a natural experiment, measuring the deterrent effect of prison sentences on recidivism rates. Results show that even small increases in expected sentence length ...
Research by Florida State University criminologist Kevin M. Beaver found that genetic factors contribute to adolescent victimization, accounting for 40-45% of variance in male and female adolescents. Genetic factors also play a significant role in repeated victimization among adolescents.
Prototype systems performed surprisingly well in NIST tests, with half accurate at least 80% of the time. The technology frees up time for trained examiners to focus on difficult images that software has limited capabilities to process.
A University of Missouri professor's study reveals that older women's intentions to ensure accessibility to their homes can override concerns about preventing intrusions. To feel safe, older women need to recognize safety risks and perceive their capabilities in preventing intrusions.
A new study reveals that prime-time television series portray mixed messages about alcohol, with positive messages associated with fun and partying, while negative messages are linked to crime, addiction, or job performance loss. This can undermine efforts to dissuade youth consumption through negative depictions.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed a new compound that can detect and visualize immune cell activity, highlighting the misdeeds of the immune system. The compound, called luminol, glows blue when injected into mice with active immune inflammation.
A study by researchers at the University of Iowa and University of Missouri-St. Louis found that economic recession is associated with increased victimization rates among minority groups, particularly blacks and Latinos. The study analyzed data from the National Crime Victimization Surveys from 1973 to 2005 and found that poverty, urba...
Studies find that access to nature reduces aggression, crime rates, and improves cognitive function in children with ADHD. Living near trees also positively influences mood, life satisfaction, and social interactions, particularly among elderly adults.
A new study published in Social Science Quarterly found that adolescents with unpopular names are more likely to commit crime. Researchers analyzed state data and constructed a popularity-name index, which showed the least popular names were associated with juvenile delinquency among both black and white youths.
A recent study found that false confessions can significantly influence eyewitness testimony, with 60% of witnesses changing their minds when told of a confession. This has serious implications for the legal system and suggests that investigators need to be aware of how confessions may impact eyewitness identifications.
North Carolina State University is developing a multimedia training course for forensic crime scene investigation, standardizing protocols across the state. The online coursework aims to improve death investigations and reduce costs for law enforcement agencies.
A new study by Ohio State University found that residents in highly-rated neighborhoods prioritize local city services, distance to work, and family, while those in unsatisfactory areas focus on safety and social problems. Residents also value social interaction differently depending on neighborhood type.
Experts warn that nations blocking humanitarian aid to their people are violating international human rights and potentially committing crimes against humanity. The authors argue that intervention is justified in cases where leaders deliberately block aid, leading to widespread death and suffering.
The article explores the concept of transnational crime and its relationship with global governance. Critical criminology provides valuable insights into the role of crime definition and control in shaping the transnational condition, highlighting the need for democratization and the dangers of increased policing powers.
Research finds that male college students are more likely to commit property crimes than their non-college peers, defying the common association between education and reduced deviance. The study, which analyzed data from over 9,000 adolescents and young adults, reveals an increase in crime rates among college-bound youth after enrollment.
The elephant death rate from poaching in Africa has increased to 8% a year, with most recent studies indicating that hunters are targeting specific herds. The situation is worse than ever before, and the public is unaware of the giant mammals' plight.
A new study by the University of Manchester reveals that stabbings are costing the National Health Service (NHS) over £3 million a year. The research found that stabbings account for almost three-quarters of all penetrating trauma injuries, with an average cost to the NHS per victim of £7,196.
Watching local or network news increases likelihood of drawing on negative stereotypes about blacks, according to a University of Illinois researcher. The effect is independent of viewers' existing racial attitudes and can even reinforce stereotypes among those who think themselves prejudice-free.
Research found that thinking about one's own death can trigger overeating, especially among individuals with low self-esteem. The study used mortality salience to explain the effect of death-related thoughts on consumption behavior.
A RAND study reveals a significant increase in piracy and maritime terrorism, with piracy growing faster and more common than seaborne terrorism. The report calls for U.S. policymakers to expand maritime security measures and encourage industry use of enabling communication technologies.
A new study has found that childhood lead exposure is associated with a higher risk of adult criminal arrests, including violent crimes. The research followed over 250 children who were exposed to high levels of lead during pregnancy and early childhood, tracking their outcomes into adulthood.
A study funded by the Economic & Social Research Council suggests that everyday fears of crime are often linked to anxiety about social stability and neighbourhood breakdown. Researchers found that people's experiences of fear and anxiety are complex and multifaceted, rather than solely driven by concerns about immediate threats.
A Swedish study found that female sex offenders are more likely to suffer from mental illness or drug abuse than male perpetrators. The research compared 93 convicted women with over 20,000 normal women and 13,000 women convicted of non-sexual crimes.
A new test can detect gunshot residue on a single speck of gunpowder smaller than the width of a human hair, boosting accuracy and reducing false positives. The test uses solid phase micro-extraction combined with gas chromatography to identify chemical compounds present in the powder.
High-income countries like UK, USA, and Australia sustain their high physician-to-population ratio by recruiting medical graduates from developing regions in sub-Saharan Africa. Over half of these African countries do not meet the minimum acceptable PPR, with Tanzania having just 0.02 doctors per 1000 population.
Most online sex offenders are adults who target teens, seducing victims into sexual relationships. The youth most vulnerable have histories of abuse, family problems, and risk-taking tendencies. Current educational efforts may not be effective in preventing these crimes.
A recent study by Michael Inzlicht and Jennifer N. Gutsell found that people who suppress their emotions experience a depletion of resources for self-control, leading to poor performance on tasks requiring self-regulation. This depletion can last even after the initial emotional suppression has ceased.
A new UCL study reveals that people with a strong fear of crime are almost twice as likely to show symptoms of depression. The research also shows that fear of crime is associated with decreased physical functioning and lower quality of life.
Researchers from the University of Bristol and Mass Spec Analytical Ltd found that geographical location has no influence on the distribution of drug contamination on bank notes. The study analyzed £10 and £20 notes from areas across the UK, including urban and rural regions, and found that contamination levels were unrelated to location.
Studies show abused children are more likely to commit delinquent crimes, with the type of abuse connected to the crime. The special issue examines moderating factors connecting child maltreatment to delinquent behavior in adolescence.
A study found that adults in high-crime neighborhoods avoid intervening with young offenders due to fear of retaliation. Adults are more likely to intervene when outsiders are involved or when they have a personal relationship with the youth.
A new study by University of California, Davis professor Gregory Herek found that nearly four in 10 gay men and about one in eight lesbians and bisexuals have been targeted due to their sexual orientation. The survey also revealed significant disparities in victimization rates among gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals.
The ivory trade is driving organized crime in Africa and Asia, with the black-market price rising to $750 per kilogram. Western nations must reinstate strong enforcement efforts to stop the trade and protect elephant populations.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia are developing computerized lip-reading systems that can automatically convert video lip-motions into text. The three-year project aims to improve the accuracy of lip-reading, a skill that can be unreliable even for trained experts.
Researchers found that people tend to prioritize emotional responses over empirical evidence when making decisions, particularly on sensitive topics. This phenomenon was observed in studies examining crime, deer population, and other risks where emotional reactions outweigh rational thinking.
Researchers at NIST developed a copper bullet with unique markings to aid in tracing guns used in multiple crimes. The Standard Bullet enables crime labs to optimize their computerized optical imaging instruments, improving the quality of gun trace analysis.
Pakistan's parliament voted in favour of the Women's Protection Bill, shifting judicial decisions on rape cases to forensic and circumstantial evidence. The move aims to facilitate the empowerment of all women, especially those oppressed, in achieving gender equality worldwide.
A standardized way to evaluate the risk posed by someone who collects kiddie porn on the Internet is still in development. Forensic psychiatrists face challenges in assessing the possession of internet child pornography without offending or predicting future abuse.
A survey of nearly 4,500 people found that 75% had experienced victimization and 64% had engaged in illegal or shady practices. The researchers argue that neo-liberal market reforms have fostered a culture of cynicism and selfishness, eroding traditional values such as the rule of law and trust in institutions.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that gun store reforms led to a 44% decrease in new guns sold to criminals in Milwaukee. The change resulted in a 96% reduction in small, inexpensive handguns and 42% fewer other types of guns recovered from crimes.
A recent study warns that a surplus of men in societies favoring male babies could lead to increased antisocial behavior, violence, and organized crime. The distortion of natural sex ratios has resulted in an estimated 80 million missing females in India and China alone.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has released a landmark scientific report that outlines proven components for successful treatment of drug abusers in the criminal justice system. Effective treatment can save communities money and reduce crime, with studies showing a significant reduction in recidivism rates and arrests.
A study found that establishments with monthly staff meetings were less likely to serve intoxicated customers, while those with inexperienced managers were more likely to do so. This has implications for alcohol control policies and the importance of regular staff training.
The German government is failing to provide necessary health care to trafficked women, instead subjecting them to detention and deportation. Authorities must recognize trafficking as a health issue and prioritize the well-being of victims who can provide evidence against their exploiters.
A study by a Carnegie Mellon professor highlights the use of DNA evidence in exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals. Despite its potential to free the innocent, the use of DNA evidence is hindered by political considerations and legal uncertainties.
Researchers found that computer animations can heighten a person's confidence but not necessarily accuracy when it comes to making fair decisions. The study suggests that animations can introduce additional bias, leading to harsher penalties.
A study published in Memory & Cognition found that morally blaming a person can distort memory for the severity of their crime or misbehavior. This distortion can have significant implications for eyewitness testimonies and judgments of guilt, putting perpetrators at greater risk.
The journal will focus on empirical research and theory related to women and girls in the criminal justice system, including research on female offenders and victims. It aims to demonstrate the gendered nature of crime and responses to crime, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of female criminality.