Articles tagged with Crime
A new analysis of job applicant data from a large employer found that Ban-the-Box policies had little impact on employment rates for individuals with criminal records. Despite initial hopes that these policies would improve job prospects, the study suggests that any benefits may be reversed during subsequent candidate assessment.
Police reports of hate crimes in 42 major US cities declined 2.7% in 2024, with anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim hate crimes rising 12% and 18%, respectively. Anti-Jewish hate crimes reached record levels in several cities, while anti-Asian hate crimes fell more than 14%. The upward trend is attributed to the timing of the Israel-Gaza war.
A new report by Michigan State University and Michigan Public Health Institute found that shootings in Lansing fell after the implementation of a prevention program, with some variations between years and communities. The Advance Peace Lansing program employs fellows to engage with individuals affected by gun violence.
Researchers found that humanizing police officers through recruiting materials can increase potential candidates' interest in policing as a career. Exposure to humanizing videos led to increased shared identity with police officers, promoting greater interest in a policing career.
A new edition of 'Criminal Law in Canada: Cases, Questions, and the Code' has been released, co-authored by Associate Professor David MacAlister. The book reflects recent case law and legislation, featuring expanded discussion on key topics such as sentencing and bail reform.
A new study by J.Z. Bennett finds that long sentences for juveniles sever ties made while incarcerated and hinder progress upon release. The research highlights the importance of prison friendships, social connections, and emotional support in facilitating successful reintegration.
A new study reveals that nearly 7% of US adults have been present at the scene of a mass shooting, while over 2% have been injured during one. Younger generations are significantly more likely to have been exposed than their parents or grandparents were.
A new study from Texas A&M University's Mosbacher Institute found that reducing violent crime in El Salvador significantly decreased Central American emigration to the US. Homicide rates dropped by 87% after President Nayib Bukele implemented a crackdown, resulting in a 45-67% reduction in border apprehensions.
The Association for Computing Machinery's Technology Policy Council issues brief calls on policymakers and tech companies to address tech abuse in intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and child exploitation. The report highlights disturbing statistics and recommends expanding laws and regulations to protect users.
A new AI-powered tool helps predict traumatic brain injury outcomes based on documented assault scenarios, providing an evidence-based approach to improve investigation accuracy. The model achieved remarkable prediction accuracy for TBI-related injuries, integrating mechanical biophysical data with forensic details.
A study published in the journal Memory found that intoxicated people have difficulty accurately recalling internal facial features, while still remembering external details like hair style. This suggests that alcohol narrows attention to more noticeable external features, impairing memory for critical internal features.
A three-year effort in nine California counties resulted in 227 individuals receiving new sentences, with 174 offenders released by September 2024. Researchers recommend increasing funding, training for prosecutors and public defenders, and standardization of review factors to strengthen the program.
A new study finds Americans are willing to pay nearly $100 billion for policies that reduce gun violence by 20%. The research, conducted by Duke University and the University of Chicago, shows widespread support from all demographics for stronger intervention. With a national WTP estimate of $97.6 billion, Americans are willing to inve...
A recent study found that individuals charged with sexual offenses against adults are at high risk of committing crimes against children, with up to 40% reporting interest in violent acts against minors. The study also identified effective prevention methods and a model of peer support for parents of child victims.
A new study by Northeastern University's Crime Prevention Lab found that CCTV cameras in Newark, NJ, were associated with reduced auto thefts three to four years after installation. The study highlights the importance of longer-term evaluations to understand the persistence and potential increase of crime prevention effects.
New research reveals that mothers of formerly incarcerated children experience significant financial strain, especially for Black mothers whose starting wealth is already lower. This study highlights the urgent need for policy reforms to address the social and economic impacts of incarceration on families.
A study by Seoul National University researchers found that men and women prioritize different aspects of visibility in urban spaces, with men focusing on clear views and women concerned with unexpected threats. The research suggests designing piloti parking spaces with transparent fences and minimizing blind spots can reduce crime anx...
A survey conducted by the Legal and Criminological Clinic of Universitat Jaume I found that 57.5% of Castelló citizens perceive the city as safe, with areas like south and centre having the highest feeling of safety. The most frequently mentioned causes of insecurity were lack of police presence, ineffectiveness of the judicial system,...
Researchers developed machine learning models to identify high-risk gun dealers selling the largest proportion of guns recovered in crimes within a year. The study's findings suggest that enforcing targeted inspections and citations on these dealers can help reduce the supply of firearms to offenders.
A recent study assesses hundreds of US police academies and shows a continued emphasis on traditional, crime-fighting approaches in basic training, neglecting community-oriented policing and guardian roles.
A new framework by former NIJ director Nancy La Vigne aims to improve the effectiveness of social programs through deliberate implementation and adaptation to local contexts. The Titanium Law of Evaluation emphasizes the importance of both implementation fidelity and local context in evaluating criminal justice interventions.
A report by Tel Aviv University highlights the establishment of new museums in Muslim countries, including Indonesia, Dubai, and Albania, which showcase the Holocaust and heroism. These museums provide a counter-narrative to antisemitic propaganda and promote education and awareness about the Holocaust.
Researchers studied participants' perceptions of ten different accents and found a strong link between perceived social status and likelihood of committing crimes. The study suggests that accent stereotypes could have serious implications in the criminal justice system.
A recent study by HSE University found that young adults in Russia consume media content about serial killers due to cognitive and emotional motives. Cognitive motives involve understanding the causes of human behavior, while emotional motives allow viewers to experience intense emotions often lacking in everyday life.
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.
A study from the University of Bath found that people freed from modern slavery often face years of bureaucratic wrangling and legal limbo. Rescued bonded labourers in India were marooned in the legal process for up to 37 years, with many forced back into exploitative work.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that Covid-19 public health measures led to a significant decrease in stranger sex offenses, particularly those involving night-time economy and outdoor settings. The research also showed a reduction in offences taking place at home and internet-facilitated crimes during lockdowns.
David Weisburd evaluates the impact of the Safer Stronger Together (SST) Initiative, a place-based social intervention aimed at youth and their families in Maryland. The SST Initiative seeks to reduce racial and economic inequalities among young people and their families by re-engineering government agency services.
A nationwide survey of law enforcement agencies found significant variations in co-responder teams' characteristics, operations, and perceived effectiveness. The study aims to inform evidence-based guidelines and protocols for these initiatives.
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.
A collaborative study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that an increase in Airbnbs in London led to higher rates of robbery, burglary, theft, and violence. The study suggests that Airbnbs provide opportunities for crimes, particularly against tourists or vacant properties.
A recent study from University of Cambridge and University of Pennsylvania found a positive association between Airbnb rentals and police-reported robberies and violent crimes in thousands of London neighborhoods between 2015 and 2018. An additional 1,000 robberies per year would correspond to a 10% increase in active Airbnb rentals.
Researchers investigated how young people decide whether to intervene in a potentially dangerous situation, such as sexual harassment. They found that prosocial motivations and emotional reactions, including anger, were strong motivators for intervention, while concerns about safety and moral considerations played a role. The study sug...
Researchers analyzed crime statistics before and after sweep sites to find no change in most crimes, with only minor decreases in auto theft and public disorder. The study suggests that encampments cannot be linked to a rise in crime, challenging the effectiveness of sweeps in improving public safety.
A WSU-led study found that older adults tend to experience more discomfort in high heat, but it doesn't affect their mood as much as younger adults. Emotional responses to heat are highly individualized and moderated by age.
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.
The study found that adherence to cultural myths about rape was the strongest predictor of assaultive behavior, even controlling for other factors. Men's personalities, such as rigid adherence to traditional gender roles and low empathy, were also linked to an increased risk of committing sexual assault.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that trust in police plummeted among Black residents of Chicago after the 2020 shooting of Jacob Blake. Younger residents and those who had previously been arrested or incarcerated experienced the largest declines. The findings suggest that police violence can exacerbate public safety issues.
A new study from City St George's University of London found that approximately 1 in 20 adults are closely related to someone who has been the victim of a serious assault. These 'indirect victims' face numerous health challenges, including mental health issues such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study sugg...
A study found that direct incentives, such as tax credits and insurance, can increase hiring managers' willingness to hire applicants with prior records. The most effective incentives were a $2,400 tax credit and $25,000 insurance against losses, which worked regardless of conviction type or perceptions about performance.
Experts propose incorporating joint criminal enterprise into the ICC Statute to hold high-ranking military officers and politicians accountable for collective criminal responsibility. The proposed change aims to ensure victims receive restorative justice and deter future mass atrocities.
A recent study by New York University reveals that nearly 90% of NYC transit workers have experienced harassment or assault, with women facing higher rates. The survey found that public-facing transit workers, including bus and subway staff, are disproportionately targeted.
This special issue of Criminology & Public Policy explores pressing topics in policing, including evidence-based practices and research-informed policy. The articles featured in the issue aim to guide police reform efforts and improve public safety.
Researchers found that 49% of respondents experienced a moderate to extreme impact on their mental or emotional wellbeing after encountering negative experiences in virtual environments. The study highlights the need for metaverse companies to instill clear regulatory frameworks for safe virtual spaces.
A recent study by Binghamton University Political Science Professor Jeffrey L. Yates found that U.S. presidential elections significantly impact local prosecutor races. The researchers analyzed data from the nation's top 200 districts and discovered that incumbent prosecutors with the same party affiliation as a successful president ha...
Research finds that people with criminal justice system contact are less likely to have bank accounts after release, facing significant barriers like identification and proof of residence. The study highlights the importance of access to banking in reintegration and economic stability.
A re-analysis of a community policing study found that increased cooperation and trust in the police lead to more crime reporting, which can inflate crime rates. This 'crime reporting sensitivity bias' must be adjusted for when evaluating the effectiveness of community policing programs.
A systematic review of current research on the 'crime-terror' nexus reveals that terrorist groups like the Taliban and FARC generate significant income from the drug trade, fueling conflict and instability in Afghanistan and Colombia. The study highlights the importance of innovative policy responses to reduce the drug-terrorism nexus.
A new University of Houston study reveals that residents in neighborhoods with higher crime rates and lower police presence are more likely to smoke. The research found that these areas amplify feelings of powerlessness, leading to maladaptive coping behaviors like smoking.
A global study found 14.5% of respondents reported being victims of sextortion, while 4.8% admitted to being perpetrators. LGBTQ+ people and men were more likely to report victimisation and perpetration.
A new study reveals that US Islamist extremist groups are characterized by small, close-knit clusters of co-offenders who share similar characteristics. These relationships are shaped by mutual contacts, ideological affiliation, spatial proximity, and shared socio-cultural traits.
A new study from Edith Cowan University reveals that having a justice facility dog at Children's Court significantly reduces stress and anxiety for young victims, witnesses, and caregivers. Dr Suz Rock and Associate Professor Natalie Gately found that interacting with the dog reduced self-reported anxiety and stress levels.
The European Association of Psychology and Law has launched a white paper with 10 key recommendations to enhance the validity, reliability, and child-friendliness of forensic interviews. The guidelines aim to standardize interviewing methods and warn against harmful practices.
A recent study by Drexel University found that New Jersey's cash bail reform law successfully reduced the state's jail population without increasing gun violence. The research team analyzed data from 36 states and controlled for factors such as gun law restrictions, rates of gun ownership, and state senate majority partisanship.
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.
High temperatures reduce emotional control and increase aggression in police officers, resulting in more dismissals of hot-day arrests. Judges also make harsher decisions on hotter-than-average days, issuing longer prison sentences and higher fines.
A study published in the Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that pharmacological treatment of ADHD reduced violence- and public-order related crimes among patients in the grey zone for treatment. However, it had no effect on other types of crimes. The study used a quasi-experimental design with populat...
A new study found that communities with higher-than-average illegal market opportunities are more likely to be targeted by organised crime groups. Organised crime offenders tend to move into areas with similar socio-demographic profiles and target urban communities with higher levels of criminal activity.
Researchers found an 84% increase in NYC transit complaints following the COVID-19 pandemic declaration, with no return to pre-pandemic levels despite the Subway Safety Plan. The plan's increased police presence led to stronger enforcement of transit policies, but its effect was unclear and may have had unintended consequences.
A study found that progressive prosecutors led to 7% higher relative rates of total and property crime, but not violent crime. The effects varied by time in office, with relatively higher crime rates in the first decade.