Articles tagged with Crime
Biased perceptions of hate crimes are linked to sympathies with supremacist groups and societal grievances, according to a study. Prejudice against minority groups influences perception of the motivations behind mass shootings.
A study examines the link between COVID-19 and anti-Asian hate crimes in the US, revealing vast underreporting and a spike in racist incidents. The researchers found that less than half of Asian hate crime victimizations are reported to police, highlighting the need for increased awareness and action.
Salk scientists have developed a new lineup method that reveals the strength of recognition memory for each face and eliminates unconscious biases. This technique, called paired comparisons, estimates the probability of correctly identifying the culprit, offering an unprecedented quantitative index of certainty.
A new forensic approach aims to gauge the strength of witness memory and minimize unwitting bias in police lineup processes. The technique, which uses neuroscience and psychology, assigns a probability value to witness testimony and scores responses based on paired comparisons of photos.
A team of scientists from the University of Portsmouth has developed a new forensic fingerprinting technique to lift finger-marks from pangolin scales, enabling wildlife crime officers to identify poachers and bring them to justice. The method uses gelatine lifters and has been successful in producing clear finger-mark detail on 74% of...
A nationwide study by University of South Florida professors reveals that blacks are five times more likely and Latinos four times more likely to fear police brutality than whites. This disparity affects the emotional toll on minorities, leading to psychological and physical health consequences.
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed new methods for detecting fingermarks on Scottish banks' new polymer notes, which are not effective with traditional cotton banknote techniques. The most effective process involves superglue fuming and infrared light.
A study found an association between SSRI treatment and violent crime in adults and adolescents, with a significant increase during treated periods. The risk persisted for up to 12 weeks after stopping SSRI treatment, highlighting the need for clinical awareness of this potential side effect.
A UCLA-led study found a significant increase in domestic violence calls to police in Los Angeles and Indianapolis during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers predict that the incidence of domestic violence will decrease as people return to normal routines, but may increase again if there is a second wave of COVID-19 infections.
Researchers found that small and independent stores had fewer resources for place management than large chain stores, making it harder to control neighborhood crime. However, improved law enforcement and manager training may help reduce crime in areas with high density of alcohol sales outlets.
Engineers are developing a rapid test kit for identifying body fluids at crime scenes, which will improve the speed and accuracy of investigations. The disposable tool can detect multiple types of body fluid protein biomarkers from small samples.
A new study sheds light on the lesser-known internet crime of sextortion, which poses a threat to adults and minors. The research highlights the importance of protecting the public from online criminals and calls for increasing awareness and changing legislation to include other forms of internet-based sexual abuse crimes.
The study assesses Iowa's data-driven patrol strategy, which aims to significantly reduce serious injury and fatal vehicle crashes. The researchers will follow the implementation of the program and evaluate its effects using quasi-experimental designs.
A new study found that people are no better than chance at identifying false memories of committing a crime, even when told they're fake. The research used videos from a previous study where participants were tricked into believing they had committed a crime, and found that many true memories looked like false ones.
Charlotte Gill is leading a project to develop a guidebook and online training course for police agencies in small and rural communities. The project aims to translate evidence-based crime reduction best practices into actionable recommendations for these agencies.
A new study by Case Western Reserve University economist Mark Votruba found that involuntary job loss leads to a dramatic increase in criminal behavior. Displaced workers experienced a 20% increase in criminal charges the year after being laid off, as well as decreased earnings and full-time opportunities.
Researchers analyzed travel data from 1984, 1997, and 2012 to find a significant increase in households with every member out-of-home (HEMO) rates, driven by changes in household composition. The study provides insights into the impact of HEMO rates on failed deliveries and potential solutions for efficient redelivery systems.
A new study reveals that properly designed and maintained green space can reduce violent crime and gun violence. Researchers analyzed over 14,000 papers to identify patterns that inform public policy and urban design. The findings suggest that greening interventions at the urban level can significantly reduce violent crime.
Researchers found that young burglars are initially motivated by a desire for excitement, but eventually driven by the thrill of skill and financial rewards. This understanding could help intervene in habitual offending.
A European Union-funded study reveals the Spanish compensation system for victims of sexual violence is ineffective, with a lack of interest from the State. The study proposes solutions to improve the system, including identifying and addressing legal and organizational obstacles.
Researchers found that modern people's judgments of crime severity align with ancient laws, indicating a universal capacity for making justice intuitions. The study provides evidence for the shared sense of justice that underlies legal codes, shedding light on the origins of laws.
Weisburd and Davis are testing whether specialized police training can reduce crime without harming the community. The randomized field experiment aims to improve procedural justice and constitutional requirements for police stops.
A study published by Ohio State University found that people enjoy seeing bad guys get punished more than being forgiven, but appreciate forgiveness stories as the most meaningful. The researchers discovered that readers take less time to respond to narratives with equitable retribution than those with under- or over-retribution.
Charlotte Gill is leading an evaluation of the 'Rainier Beach: A Beautiful Safe Place for Youth' project, a community-led initiative to prevent youth crime in Seattle. Researchers will conduct surveys and analyze data on crime trends to inform policy decisions.
A multi-site randomized experiment is being conducted to test a structured investigation protocol for robbery cases in Rochester, NY, and Seattle, WA police departments. The goal is to improve clearance rates and enhance victim satisfaction through standardized investigative actions by trained patrol officers.
A new study led by Christopher Robertson found no significant differences in charges, fines, and sentences across racial and socioeconomic groups. This contradicts decades' worth of previous research on prosecutorial bias. Instead, policymakers may focus on addressing disparities before arrest, such as economic development and education.
Regular police patrols on platforms reduced reported crime and disorder by 21% in some of London's most crime-ridden stations. The experiment found that the presence of patrolling officers had a minimal impact on crime, with 97% of the measured effect occurring when officers were absent.
A German long-term study reveals that occasional acts of theft and low-level violent crime are common among adolescents, but most drop delinquent behavior after adolescence. The study highlights the importance of good relationships, parental attentiveness, and socialization in reducing juvenile crime.
Researchers identified common attributes of cybercrime networks, revealing how they function and work together. These networks are composed of hackers coming together due to shared functional skills, often collaborating to cause greater disruption.
A study published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that global warming could lead to a significant rise in violent crime rates in the United States. The research team used climate data and an FBI crime database to identify regional connections between warming and crime rates, particularly in winter.
A new study by the University of Houston found that widespread adoption of information technology by law enforcement agencies can significantly reduce violence against police officers. The research revealed a 50% decrease in assaults and deaths, with benefits extending to other high-risk occupations such as factory workers and truck dr...
Researchers propose frameworks to improve laws, civilian strategies, and police response in reducing violent crimes and gun violence. A study found that reducing law enforcement response time decreases civilian casualties by 10-15 percent.
Researchers found that district-level police crime centers associated with significant reductions in robberies and burglaries, as well as shootings and sexual assault. The approach enabled novel responses to crime incidents and improved rapid decision-making among police.
A new study found that street segments with recreational dispensaries in Denver experienced an 18% increase in property crime, while those adjacent to dispensaries saw higher levels of drug and disorder crimes. However, the sales revenue generated by recreational dispensaries largely offset the costs of these crimes.
Scientists at NIST have developed a single-step method to dissolve hair proteins, allowing for quantitative analysis and comparison of protein molecules from two hairs. This new technique removes the major obstacle of working with durable hair, making it a valuable tool for forensic investigation.
A new study has found that theme parks can increase crime rates in surrounding neighborhoods, with offenses rising by 198% near Universal Studios. The researchers recommend more active policing strategies and reducing the number of places near theme parks that attract crime.
Researchers found a significant association between Universal Studios Florida and an uneven distribution of crime in Orlando. Crime concentrations were more pronounced near the theme park due to increased suitable targets and decreased security measures.
A study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that adopting risk assessment tools leads to fewer incarcerations while maintaining public safety. The tools provide a structured process for predicting violence likelihood, resulting in more accurate predictions than relying on intuition.
A new study found no significant long-term effects of recreational cannabis laws on violent or property crimes in Colorado and Washington. However, there were some short-lived increases in certain types of crime following legalization.
A new study by Colorado State University researchers found a strong link between short-term exposure to air pollution and aggressive behavior, including aggravated assaults and other violent crimes across the continental United States. The results showed a 1.4% increase in violent crimes for every 10 microgram-per-cubic-meter increase ...
Researchers are combining supply chain and conservation datasets to predict and respond to weaknesses in illegally trafficked wildlife supply chains. The team aims to develop tools to interfere with wildlife trafficking, potentially influencing other transnational crimes.
A recent University of Michigan study reveals that people tend to prioritize protecting close relationships over reporting immoral acts, even in cases of theft and sexual harassment. Researchers found that this bias can be attenuated by adopting a psychologically distanced perspective.
Researchers found that predictors of juvenile delinquency, such as low self-control, are common factors for both boys and girls. For girls, peer associations played a significant role in hacking behavior, while for boys, time spent playing video games was associated with hacking. The study highlights the importance of parents understan...
A recent study found that certain types of crime, such as robbery and car theft, increase at a faster rate than the population in larger cities. In contrast, rape grows only linearly with city size. The researchers suggest that social interactions play a key role in the growth of these crimes.
New research suggests that incentives to plead guilty can lead innocent defendants in England and Wales to admit to crimes they did not commit. The study found that 76.9% of defendants pleaded guilty between 2016 and 2017, citing the high time and cost involved in trial as a major factor.
A North Carolina State University study found that being convicted of a crime is associated with a decline in physical health, even without jail time. The research also confirms previous work on the adverse mental health effects of arrests, regardless of charges or outcomes.
A new analysis of state, county, and federal data shows a significant decline in criminal sentencing racial gaps since the mid-1990s. The overall sentence length gap between whites and blacks in federal courts decreased by more than 80% between 1996 and 2016.
A new study from Michigan State University found that transnational environmental crime drives social conflicts globally, threatening development and undermining peace and security. Researchers highlight potential solutions, including cooperation, engagement of local communities, and legislative reform.
Researchers developed a new technique to analyze blood spatter patterns, which can help investigators determine the origins of blood spatters and potentially identify the weapon used. The study's findings reveal that bullet shape and velocity play a crucial role in determining blood spatter patterns.
A Rutgers-Camden study reveals that individuals with poor physical or mental health are more likely to commit crimes and return to prison. The researchers found that limited employment opportunities and family conflict exacerbate recidivism, highlighting the need for improved healthcare in prisons.
A study by researchers at the University of Maryland found that white officers were not more likely to shoot minority civilians than black or Hispanic officers. Violent crime rates where the shooting took place were the strongest factor in predicting the race of a person fatally shot by police.
A study by Michigan State University reveals that crime rates, not racial bias, predict fatal police shootings. The findings show that black officers are more likely to shoot black citizens due to demographics, but this does not support the idea of white officer bias.
A comprehensive database of over 900 fatal police shootings reveals that White officers are not more likely to fatally shoot minority civilians. The study found that increasing racial diversity among police officers may not reduce disparities in fatalities.
Researchers analyzed 532 million tweets and found a correlation between racist tweets and actual hate crimes in cities. The study identified specific discriminatory terms and phrases used on social media across the country, which could help identify groups targeted by racially motivated crimes.
A study found that federal courts in areas with traditionally welcoming Hispanic immigration handed out similar sentences to non-Hispanic defendants. However, courts in new destinations and areas with limited Hispanic immigration sentenced U.S. citizen and non-citizen Hispanics more harshly, especially those who were undocumented. The ...
Three new DFG research training groups will be established at FAU to investigate emerging fields such as cyber crime, novel antiviral approaches and energy conversion systems that do not require heavy metals.
A recent study used virtual reality to observe burglars' behavior, revealing their expertise and skill in choosing targets. The results suggest that experienced burglars are more efficient and discriminate in their thefts, targeting high-value areas and avoiding security measures.
A new study by NYU's Steinhardt School finds that police stops lead to increased delinquent behavior and psychological distress in Black and Latino adolescent boys. The research also highlights the negative impact of proactive policing on racial disparities and youth criminality.
A FSU research team found that teenagers' views of law enforcement tend to improve as they become adults, shaped by their early interactions with officers. This is attributed to the impact of first impressions and parental influences, which can build trust and increase compliance with the law.
Researchers created a 3D model of a Spokane neighborhood to analyze burglaries and natural surveillance. The study found that low visibility entry points were more likely to be targeted by burglars.