Articles tagged with Criminology
A recent study estimated a significant increase in psilocybin use in Oregon and Colorado following decriminalization. The research suggests a potential shift in user behavior, with more individuals exploring the substance.
A new analysis across 45 years suggests that the disparity in firearm homicide deaths between Black and White Americans has grown, with many thousands of Black lives lost. The study found that Black males faced an eight to nine times higher likelihood of firearm homicide death than White males from 1988 to 2010.
A study by City St George's criminologist Dr Tony Karas found that social media, particularly YouTube, was crucial in the radicalization process for 40 PA activists. The platform's autoplay function nudged them towards more extreme content, often with ethnonationalist views.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University highlights the need for better legal protection for insects against global trafficking. The researchers argue that insect trafficking is a growing aspect of environmental crime, with potential impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.
New research shows that targeted law enforcement actions can fragment networks but lead to reorganization into smaller, more specialized groups. This 'criminal opacity amplification' reduces visibility while preserving coordination.
A risk evaluation tool aimed at protecting women from domestic violence has been found to be an effective predictor of deadly domestic abuse. However, the researchers emphasize that no scheme can perfectly predict the future and that continued improvement is necessary to safeguard victims.
A study suggests that one in two individuals arrested and detained in London may have undiagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while one in 20 may have undiagnosed autism. Screening for neurodivergence could enable better support for vulnerable individuals.
A new study by the University of Surrey found that 16% of UK adults were asked for a bribe in the last year, while 5.8 million people were invited to move money linked to crime. The risk is concentrated among younger adults and men, with those in the finance sector being targeted most frequently.
A new study by VCU researchers found that almost all participants perceived a suspect as being in custody after only a short period of time, even though they had not been formally arrested. The research used virtual reality headsets to examine how people perceive police custody from 'inside' the interrogation room.
A new study in a US prison suggests that incarcerated individuals prioritize accessibility, support, and humane treatment from staff. The study's findings highlight the potential implications of negative emotions such as frustration and feeling uncared for on relationships between staff and inmates.
A new study by Dr. Rasha Kassem and Professor Umut Turksen found that police officers perceive fraud as low-harm and low-priority, leading to weakened investigations and limited victim support. The researchers advocated for targeted training, investment in cyber and financial forensics, and cultural change within police organisations.
Researchers describe a tactical playbook used by male abusers to engineer 'trauma bonds', leaving victims desperate for approval. The study highlights the deliberate brainwashing tactics employed by perpetrators, shifting blame onto victims and ignoring codependency theories.
A new study reveals that true crime media can be both a help and a hindrance to co-victims, with many experiencing a loss of privacy and trauma due to sensationalized coverage. The research highlights the need for ethical production practices and standards to protect co-victims from harm.
A new survey by University of California, Irvine professor Nicholas Scurich found that 65% of Missouri voters believe Governor Mike Kehoe should commute Shockley's death sentence to life imprisonment. The survey revealed strong bipartisan support for clemency across all political affiliations.
Two former Department of Justice scientists argue for transformative crime prevention research prioritizing social justice alongside public safety. They emphasize the need for research incorporating community perspectives and collaborative approaches to prevent harm and promote justice.
The study examines the effects of broader criminal justice reforms on public health and safety. It found little evidence that Measure 110 was responsible for rising crime or overdose deaths, but rather attributed these trends to the COVID-19 pandemic and fentanyl emergence.
Researchers found that mobile users were less likely to click on phishing links compared to PC users, especially for lower-risk URLs. The study suggests that device use settings affect users' risk assessment abilities, leading to more avoidant behavior on mobile devices.
A new study reveals that cyberstalking is increasing at a faster rate than traditional stalking, with nearly half of victims not perceiving it as a crime. The researchers call for improved public education, clearer legal definitions, and enhanced support services to address the growing threat of cyberstalking.
A new book by Rutgers University professor Ko-Lin Chin investigates the operations of illicit businesses in China's counterfeit industry. The author examines individual characteristics, economic aspects, relationships with organized crime, and demand for counterfeit goods.
A new study found that teen drivers spend an average of 21.1% of each trip viewing their mobile behind the wheel, with entertainment being the most common distraction. The study also revealed that many young drivers believe they can withstand the pressure to drive distracted and perceive a social norm of the behavior.
A study explores how Arab men interpret and internalize their experiences of living in violent environments. Key findings reveal four central themes: the association of crime with power, emotional struggles, concerns for the future, and a desire for transformation. The research highlights an urgent need for culturally tailored therapeu...
A UK study analyzed over 30,000 crimes and found that the overall risk of crime increases after dark, but only for specific types such as burglary, robbery, and criminal damage. The risk varies by neighborhood, suggesting that darkness itself may be a contributing factor to crime.
Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in safeguarding democracy and ensuring accountability. Whistleblowing contributes to justice and transparency. The CRN41 network explores these issues and advocates for measures to protect civic courage and freedom of expression.
A Cambridge criminologist has uncovered evidence suggesting a vengeful noblewoman, Ela Fitzpayne, had a priest, John Forde, assassinated in 1337. The records, published for the first time, reveal a complex web of relationships and motives that may have led to the murder.
A new study by University of Cincinnati criminologist Francis Cullen found that 40% of Americans agree the prison system is racist and that public punitiveness has declined. The study suggests a shift in 'penal sensibility' as Americans become less favorable towards mass incarceration.
Researchers analyzed 12 videos of bystanders' attempts to intervene during the 2020 George Floyd killing. They found that bystanders made over 205 direct verbal interventions, with most focused on checking George Floyd's well-being. However, police mostly ignored or rejected these interventions, leading to his tragic death.
A new report reveals that over half of UK child sexual abuse survivors have not received support, highlighting a critical gap in local systems. The survey also found that many victims were first subjected to abuse at a young age and struggled with disclosure and healing.
Researchers used virtual reality to test how incarcerated burglars evaluated a neighborhood with houses differing in features. The study found that offenders adjusted their perceptions of risk and reward based on the environment. Environmental features like street lighting and housing design influenced the men's likelihood of breaking in.
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive method to detect nitazenes – highly potent synthetic opioids – and xylazine, an animal sedative not approved for human use, in Australian wastewater. The method achieved up to 1000-fold enrichment and detected trace levels of these substances, posing significant risks of overdose.
Research from the University of Ottawa reveals distressing levels of violence in Ontario schools, with workers facing normalization of violence and lack of support. The report highlights the consequences of austerity cuts on education systems, leading to overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, and delayed access to assessments.
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.
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 George Mason University doctoral student, Talley Bettens, is conducting two studies to investigate interrogation practices and perceptions of student confessions. Funding from the National Institute of Justice supports her research, which aims to improve understanding of these critical issues in education.
A study published in iScience reveals that bacterial species are transferred between both individuals during sexual intercourse, and these species can be traced to a partner's unique genital microbiome. This discovery may provide a new tool for identifying perpetrators of sexual assault.
Peter Alonzi has been awarded a $78,594 grant to support the launch of the Criminal Justice Data Training Initiative at the University of Virginia. The program aims to provide undergraduate students with hands-on experience in data analysis and interpretation for local agencies.
A new study reveals how legal and financial industries enable kleptocracy through deregulation and under-enforcement of the law. This 'enabling' allows elites to offshore wealth, enhance reputations, and influence via philanthropy and politics. The UK's punitive libel regime also facilitates this process.
A new study challenges previous claims on false memory implantation, finding that few participants recalled entirely fabricated details. Many were unsure about suggested events, rendering their testimony potentially unreliable in court.
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 major US study found that around a third of Chicago residents carry concealed firearms by middle age, with differences in gun carrying between men and women. Gun carrying in adolescence often occurs in response to direct experiences of violence, while adults are more likely to carry due to perceived threats to public safety.
In 2024, 20 cases of femicide were reported in Israel, with half of the victims being Israeli Arabs. The majority of victims knew their perpetrators, often husbands or family members. Stabbings were the most common method of killing, and only 20% of victims had sought police assistance for prior domestic violence.
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.
The study aims to investigate the relationships between pending charges, anxiety, and substance use, shedding light on the negative impact of surveillance on health outcomes. Eife's research seeks to expose how well-intentioned reform measures can perpetuate harmful effects.
A new law change proposal aims to provide families of missing persons with an opportunity for closure through burial, rather than cremation. The proposal, backed by expert research, would require DNA sampling before burial to confirm identity and enable family members to make decisions about the body.
Evan Lowder and Chelsea Foudray are conducting a study to assess MOUD provision in the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, with funding from Fairfax County and the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority. The study aims to inform best practices for initiating individuals into medication-assisted treatment upon release from jail.
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.
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.
Historian Randolph Roth finds that feelings of empowerment, inclusion, and trust in government drive low homicide rates. Successful nation building is crucial, with four factors contributing to this success: political stability, legitimate social hierarchy, fellow feeling, and legitimate government.
A US study has compiled data on 2,904 juvenile 'lifers', revealing significant progress in resentencing and release, but also highlighting challenges faced by those returning to society. The research underscores the need for comprehensive support systems to facilitate successful reintegration.
Ziwei Zhu and Jin Lee will study data-centric strategies to reduce unfair treatment of minority populations in Large Language Model-based cyberharassment detection. They aim to improve the inclusion and accessibility of LLM applications in cybersecurity, creating a safer digital environment.
Researchers develop a new photopatterning technique to create dual-mode films with polarization and structural patterns, enabling secure authentication and potential applications in high-level security.
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.
A recent study on the Tor network found that one in five onion domains shared child sexual abuse material. The researchers also discovered that users sought CSAM through popular search engines and found that viewing violent material correlates with addiction, while seeking help is often hindered by lack of resources.
A new study by University of Maryland researchers found that background checks can produce inaccurate results due to flawed data and algorithmic errors. The study showed that over half of participants had false-positive errors and nearly 90% had false-negative errors on both regulated and unregulated background checks.
A new study reveals that former Rwandan genocide perpetrators who returned to their communities articulating a 'narrative of redemption,' saying they were good people despite past crimes. The researchers found that many received warm welcomes from families and/or their communities, leading to an identity shift and a sense of belonging.
Evan Lowder and Chelsea Foudray will assess Fairfax County Peer Recovery Services (PRS) programs for evaluation. They will identify PRS programs, develop a research design, and track short-term and long-term outcomes.
A recent study analyzed a prominent dark web fentanyl-selling operation that grew at an alarming rate, offering consumers significant discounts. The organization's sales growth and price markups made it difficult for law enforcement to shut down, allowing other organizations to fill the gap.
The study highlights substantial heterogeneity in NICS reporting requirements for mental health prohibitions and a lack of clarity around processes. This raises questions about the ability of NICS to prevent firearm purchases or possession by individuals with court-identified risk of violence.
The study analyzed over 1.2 million criminal incidents, revealing that specialists tend to operate within a confined geographic area and collaborate with local networks. The method can help law enforcement agencies anticipate criminal developments and tailor measures for prevention, policing, and rehabilitation.