Articles tagged with Crime
Research suggests that severely mentally ill individuals are disproportionately victimized by crime, with a prevalence rate six to 23 times greater than the general population. The study's findings highlight the need for improved mental health treatment and support services to reduce revictimization.
A study by Linda Teplin et al found that over one quarter of individuals with severe mental illness were victims of violent crime in the past year, nearly 17% for completed violence. The authors recommend systematic screening and monitoring, skill-based prevention programs, and policy-level changes to address this public health problem.
A review published in Psychological Science in the Public Interest suggests that videotaping interrogations can curb false confessions. The authors propose that all interviews and interrogations should be recorded in their entirety to accurately assess confessions.
False confessions are a significant issue in law enforcement, with various factors contributing to their occurrence. Research suggests that mandatory videotaping of police interviews and interrogations could help reduce these cases by providing an objective record of the proceedings.
The UK's chronic need to recruit health professionals from overseas is exacerbating the brain drain in English-speaking sub-Saharan Africa. Experts suggest increasing training of doctors and nurses in the UK and providing practical assistance to African countries affected by loss of health professionals.
A five-year study involving over 1,500 children and teenagers found that witnessing gun violence doubles the risk of violent behavior. The research suggests that exposure to violence can be viewed as an infectious disease, with one in every two teens who witness violence committing a violent act.
After the terrorist attacks, Ohio homeowners shifted their priorities to prioritize housing density, parks, and safety over other factors. A third survey conducted in spring 2004 found that despite increased fear of terrorism, home preferences returned closer to pre-9/11 levels.
A comprehensive review of subway systems reveals potential for health and safety hazards, including terrorism, transmission of infectious diseases, and high noise levels. The study highlights the need for risk assessment studies to mitigate these risks and improve subway safety.
Research by University of Pittsburgh researcher Herbert L. Needleman suggests a strong correlation between lead exposure and aggressive behavior, with even low levels affecting brain development in children. The study highlights the need for further action to eliminate lead from the environment.
A K-State sociology professor is working on a project called The Going Home Initiative for Re-entry of Serious Juvenile Offenders to improve the system for girls. Williams found that girls are treated more harshly than boys, with lower tolerance for their offenses and longer custody times.
Research finds that areas with high levels of informal voluntary activity enjoy better health, higher GCSE grades, and lower crime rates. Volunteering is also strongly linked to overall life satisfaction and happiness, with some communities recording the highest percentages of people satisfied with their lives.
A nationwide study by University of Florida professor Brian Stults found that housing segregation between racial groups persisted in many parts of the nation, with blacks and whites experiencing high levels of separation in neighborhoods, schools, and income distribution
Researchers at University College London developed more effective crime hotspot maps by treating the spread of crime like a disease, capturing 62-80% of burglaries and being 30% more accurate than traditional methods
A study suggests that people unconsciously recall images associated with African-Americans when reading news about violent crime, reflecting the influence of stereotypes on memory. This can have implications for law-enforcement scenarios, such as identifications in line-ups and racial profiling.
A new book by John Hagan provides a detailed look at the inner workings of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The book sheds light on investigations not covered by the media and highlights the key role played by Louise Arbour in setting up the tribunal's effective operations.
A study of 177 young boys found that one in five carried a concealed gun between ages 12 and 17, with prevalence increasing with age. Conduct disorder was positively associated with gun carrying, even when controlling for other factors.
The study reveals that boys offend more seriously than girls, but are also more likely to be victims of crime at a younger age. Young people who engage in risky behaviors together are more likely to both commit offenses and become victims.
A report by U of T professors Anthony Doob and Cheryl Webster finds that harsher sentences do not reduce crime, citing the likelihood of apprehension as a key factor. The researchers argue that more resources are needed for social and educational programs to help children and youth thrive in school and prevent crime.
A new UK study led by Dr Stephen Farrall found that only around 15% of people were 'very' or 'fairly' fearful in the past year. The study aimed to improve the accuracy of statistics about fear of crime by asking new survey questions, suggesting that surveys may exaggerate fears.
Dr. Zhang's research focuses on improving indexing, retrieval, and use of images based on algorithms that rely on the semantics of the images themselves. His recent invention disclosure reveals a novel fuzzy logic-based indexing scheme and user relevance feedback algorithm for content-based image retrieval.
A UF study reveals that 'gamblers fallacy' is present in various aspects of life, including crime. Repeat offenders tend to underestimate the risk of being caught again, leading to increased crime rates. This phenomenon affects not only speeding but also drunk driving and drug use.
A recent study published in Media Psychology found that stereotypes can impact memory when identifying criminal suspects, with participants more likely to misidentify African-American suspects than White suspects. The study suggests that deeply imbedded biases can tamper with memories, leading to tragic consequences.
According to a study by Maria Krysan, white residents often blame African Americans for problems in poor urban neighborhoods, despite stable black middle-class areas existing. Whites are more likely to move due to concerns about crime and property values than education level or personal comfort.
A University of Florida study found that married individuals, particularly whites, are less likely to recommit crimes. In contrast, unmarried men, including those from minority groups, are more likely to engage in criminal activity due to the lack of structured schedules and employment.
A new DNA typing method has been developed to help identify human remains that cannot be matched with the current protocol. The technique, called a 'miniplex,' uses a smaller set of reliable DNA markers to study tiny pieces of genetic material and could aid law enforcement in solving cases across the country.
The Dartmouth Institute for Security Technology Studies has released a report detailing the technology hurdles faced by cyber crime investigators. The report identifies seven areas of concern, including log analysis, internet protocol tracing, and emerging technologies, to aid in combating cyber attacks.
Over the last 25 years, People magazine's covers have become increasingly negative, focusing on celebrities' personal problems, crimes, and deviance. Researchers found that in 1974, 51% of covers focused on career achievements, while by 1988, only 20% did so.
Research suggests that older eyewitnesses are more prone to making false identifications, especially those aged over 69. This is particularly concerning for age groups used in identification parades, calling into question the effectiveness of mug-shots in identifying potential criminals.
A study of 114 adolescent male offenders found that those committing only sexual offenses had better behavior, attitudes, and lower re-offending risk compared to those with concurrent crimes. The findings suggest different pathways to juvenile sexual offending, warranting tailored interventions.
A nationwide study by Ohio State University researchers found that gun owners have less faith in the federal government than non-owners. The study controlled for various factors, including political ideology and fear of crime, and found a significant correlation between distrust of government and gun ownership.
Research suggests that parents who are both firm and allow for some autonomy have a lower degree of conflict and avoid problem teenagers. Delinquency at age 12 or 13 is widespread, with smoking and drinking linked to increased delinquent acts.
A study found that residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods experience higher levels of depression due to the presence of disorder and social control breakdown. The researcher discovered that residents living in such areas report feeling distressed by high levels of crime, graffiti, and vandalism, as well as a lack of safety.
Towns that vigorously enforced youth tobacco laws had lower crime rates, including violent and property crime. The association suggests a potential link between strong enforcement and crime prevention.
Researchers found that men with Antisocial Personality Disorder have significant deficiencies in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region enabling moral sensibilities and self-restraint. The study bolsters the link between damage to this region and the acquisition of antisocial behavior.
Researchers found that court reports prepared by probation officers consistently depict black and white juvenile offenders differently, resulting in tougher sentencing recommendations for blacks. The study highlights the role of unconscious racial stereotyping in the justice system.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that teens with low self-esteem were not more likely to engage in delinquent behavior, and those who did experience a decrease in self-esteem. Conversely, associating with delinquent peers enhanced later self-esteem.
A recent study of nearly 400 South Carolina women reveals that serious crime victims are at a high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional disorders. The effects were strongest for rape and life-threatening crimes, with robbery and burglary not linked to an increased risk.
A new study analyzing hate crime data from New York City from 1987 to 1995 found no statistical link between economic fluctuations and rates of hate crimes. The researchers suggest two reasons for this lack of correlation: the decay of aggressive impulses over time, and the role of political leaders in framing economic grievances.
A recent RAND study concludes that treating and apprehending drug offenders is more cost-effective than implementing mandatory minimum sentences. The study uses sensitivity analysis to compare the effects of different approaches on crime rates and drug use.
According to psychologist Saul M. Kassin, modern interrogation techniques can elicit false confessions, compromising the justice system. Laboratory experiments demonstrate that innocent people can adopt false beliefs and confabulate details under suggestion.