Articles tagged with Criminology
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.
Using anonymized smartphone data, researchers found that police spend more time patrolling non-white neighborhoods, with disparities linked to socioeconomic and crime-driven demand for policing. The study reveals a strong correlation between racial composition of a neighborhood and police presence.
Sara Debus-Sherrill received supplemental funding from the County of Alameda to develop and deliver a training academy for community-based organizations serving justice-involved youth. The Elevate Academy will provide critical services to these youth, addressing their unique needs and promoting successful reintegration into society.
A new study analyzing over 3,000 women found that more than half of rape survivors had no detectable anogenital injuries, despite being examined by experts. The research challenges the myth that physical violence is always present in rape cases, highlighting the need to support survivors and challenge cultural attitudes towards reporti...
Researchers found that childhood adversity can reshape an individual's moral development, leading to a 'deformative experience' that pulls them away from their true nature. This asymmetric sensitivity to life history information affects judgments of praise and blame.
A new study by Laura M. DeMarco found that Ohio landlords routinely disqualify individuals with a criminal record from renting homes, particularly in gentrifying neighborhoods and communities with dwindling Black populations. This practice reinforces racial inequalities and perpetuates neighborhood turnover.
Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.
A randomized controlled study found that transitional employment programs had no significant impact on recidivism, but participants were more likely to be employed. Cognitive behavioral interventions showed marginal benefits in reducing reconviction odds.
A new study found that certain credentials, such as more education, references, and experience, can offset the negative impact of a criminal record on job prospects. Applicants with a criminal record were less likely to be hired without these credentials, but more likely to be hired if they had relevant experience or a college degree.
A new study found that school suspensions increase the likelihood of arrest for Black and Hispanic students, but not White students. Suspension labels can perpetuate stereotypes linked to each racial group, with Blackness associated with criminality and Hispanic people with illegality.
Bitemark analysis, commonly used in court trials, lacks scientific backing due to the uniqueness of human teeth on skin. A study of 26 people wrongfully convicted based on this evidence reveals a high rate of distortion, rendering it unreliable for identification purposes.
A RAND Corporation study found that participating in a 24/7 sobriety program can lower the risk of death for individuals arrested for drunk driving. The program, which combines frequent testing with certain punishment, was associated with a 50% lower mortality rate compared to non-participants.
A study found that over 80% of American adults with type 2 diabetes meet the criteria to use GLP-1 RAs or SGLT2is, but only a small percentage are using them. The medications have a substantially higher cost than current first-line treatments, making it difficult for patients to access them.
Researchers at George Mason University will assess Seattle Police Department investigations practices and provide recommendations for improvement. The project aims to align the agency with evidence-based approaches in investigations.
A new study published in the British Journal of Criminology found that the number of stoves exempt from UK smoke control regulations has increased ten-fold since 2010. The Deregulation Act 2015 removed obstacles to manufacturers certifying their appliances as 'exempt', contributing to nationwide air pollution problems.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze parole data from New York and found that the New York State Parole Board could safely grant parole to more inmates, potentially doubling the release rate. The study suggests eliminating racial disparities in release rates while maintaining public safety.
Researchers developed a new class of statistical models to group criminals with similar connectivity patterns, revealing nested and hierarchical structures in the 'Ndrangheta network. The models account for complex architectures and incorporate additional node information from investigations.
A new study examines convenience-store robberies, finding that employees on the sales floor are more likely to be injured when robbed. The research suggests revised safety protocols could mitigate this risk and improve employee health and safety.
A recent analysis found that simple media exposure has a very small effect on radicalization, even in individuals with aggressive predispositions. Exposure to radical content online is associated with a higher risk of turning to violence among already radicalized individuals.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University analyzed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd's murder on crime rates in 28 US cities. The study found that homicides and auto thefts increased, while robberies and larcenies declined. The authors suggest that social unrest, economic conditions, and changed police behavior may b...
A study published in the International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice found that mass shootings in the US account for 73% of all incidents in developed countries, resulting in 816 deaths. The research identified distinct characteristics of US mass shootings, including ideological motives and relationship problems.
A new study examining body-worn camera use in Phoenix found that departmental policy is a crucial factor in determining activation rates. The study revealed that policies confining, structuring, and checking officer discretion significantly impact decisions on turning on the cameras.
A recent study found that increased gender equality in higher education is linked to lower female prison admission rates compared to males. The study also discovered that gains in labor force participation and political representation contributed to the decline in disparities.
A UK crime gang study found that OCG members who previously offended together are more likely to become victims of violence, with a 56-fold increase in risk. The study also revealed cycles of escalating violence within the criminal milieu, with harassment increasing the potential for violence by 243 times.
A recent study found that child abuse investigations by Child Protective Services (CPS) do not necessarily prevent poor sexual health outcomes in adolescent girls. In fact, the researchers discovered that girls who underwent investigation were more likely to experience adverse sexual health outcomes, including STIs and pregnancy, befor...
A new study found that defense testimony about defendants' adverse childhood experiences can elicit leniency in jurors' sentencing decisions in capital trials. The study suggests that investigating and presenting ACE evidence is critical in eliciting leniency, with sympathy being a key factor in jurors' decisions.
A new study examines the impact of COVID-19 and George Floyd's death on police work in Tempe, Arizona. The study found that the pandemic had a larger impact on policing and crime than Floyd's death, with varying effects by type of crime.
A new study reveals that corrections staff in Kentucky view incarcerated individuals as 'monsters' or 'evils', dehumanizing them to justify violent behavior. This us-them ideology can lead to abuse and harm, and has implications for prison management and the carceral system.
Studies of in-prison work programs and vocational training lean positive, but several issues require further research to determine their true effects on re-entry. Inconsistent program characteristics and definitions, as well as multiple participants' involvement, complicate the assessment of outcomes.
A special issue of Criminology & Public Policy examines the effects of the George Floyd protests on the criminal justice system. Studies focus on policy changes, police institutional change, and public attitudes surrounding defunding the police.
Research found sanctuary city policies decrease crime rates compared to counties that comply with ICE detainer requests. Implementing a sanctuary policy is associated with a significant drop in violent crimes, providing evidence of increased law enforcement effectiveness and decreased crime costs.
Charlotte Gill, Associate Professor at George Mason University, has received continued funding to conduct surveys and interviews in Rainier Beach crime hot spots as part of the 'A Beautiful Safe Place For Youth' project. The initiative aims to reduce youth crime through community-led collaboration and engagement.
A study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that de-escalation training improves outcomes, resulting in 28% fewer use-of-force incidents and 26% fewer citizen injuries. The study demonstrated statistically significant reductions in police officer injuries as well.
A doctoral student at George Mason University is investigating coercion during plea negotiations with a $19,762 NSF grant. The study aims to test theoretical definitions and examine third-party evaluators' assessments of plea coercion claims.
Researchers found that prisoners in buildings located in green areas are less likely to engage in self-harming or violent behaviours. The study, published in Wellbeing, Space and Society, suggests that surrounding greenspace has a positive effect on prisoner wellbeing alongside prison walls.
A longitudinal study of male prisoners' religious beliefs found that stable or increasing religiosity did not improve reentry-related outcomes. In fact, many men with decreasing religious beliefs struggled to reintegrate into society due to structural barriers and substance use.
A new study found a dramatic increase in people with co-occurring mental health needs and substance use disorders in B.C. prisons, reaching 75% of the prison population. The study calls for more treatment and efforts to address social and structural inequities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed weaknesses in the criminal justice system, highlighting issues with family and domestic violence, gang activity, and police-community interactions. Scholars from the American Society of Criminology investigate these concerns in a special issue, exploring lessons learned and policy implications.
The University of Arkansas will receive a grant to analyze gun crime patterns in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with the goal of reducing frequency of violence. The researchers aim to understand where, when, and at what frequency gun crime occurs to inform evidence-driven practices.
Researchers at George Mason University are developing methods to identify and mitigate supply chain disruptions caused by criminal organizations. The team aims to create alert systems and mitigation strategies using machine learning and simulation techniques.
A new study found that most incarcerated individuals' in-prison experiences lessen their perceptions of procedural justice and fairness, regardless of the length of time served. The research used a nationally representative sample of over 31,000 adults and examined various in-prison experiences on inmates' perceptions of staff members'...
A study by a researcher at American University found that Massachusetts gun-control legislation had no immediate impact on reducing four types of violent crime, including murder, aggravated assault, and robbery. The study suggests that lawmakers should revisit their legislation to ensure it is being implemented as intended.
A recent study published in Nature Machine Intelligence challenges the long-held assumption that accuracy and fairness are mutually exclusive in machine learning. Researchers found that optimizing models for accuracy does not necessarily compromise fairness, particularly when adjustments are made to data, labels, and scoring systems.
A new study by University of Miami researchers observed immediate reductions in both alcohol-related crashes and DUI arrests following the March 2020 lockdown. The analysis showed a staggering reduction of over 800 fewer DUI arrests and almost 150 fewer alcohol-related motor-vehicle crashes.
A new photo-ethnography study published in Criminology explores the narratives and motivations of men and women in rural Alabama who used methamphetamine. The study reveals that participants' stories about their drug use differed by gender, shaping how they interacted with others and navigated their relationships.