Articles tagged with Criminology
A new study found that adolescents' experiences with police can negatively impact their future orientation, leading to reduced educational and career aspirations. The research, conducted by the American Society of Criminology, analyzed data from 1,354 serious offenders and found that even positive interactions with police can create co...
A new study explored how prosecutors think about race in criminal justice, finding that a color-blind approach can entrench racial disparities. The study suggests that changing prosecutor views on race and core beliefs is necessary to achieve justice.
A special issue of Science explores the far-reaching impacts of mass incarceration on Black Americans and poor communities. The Reviews reveal how public and private groups profit from the system, while policy interventions can prevent incarceration and enhance family wellbeing.
The study will assess the impact of environmental and economic interventions on health and well-being in predominantly Black neighborhoods. Researchers will enroll 720 adults, half receiving the proposed interventions, and evaluate their overall health and wellbeing, as well as violent crime rates.
Researchers found that considering recidivism-free time can contribute to improved risk prediction and accurately predict recidivism among parolees. Annual assessments of parolee risk are more accurate than single pre-release risk scores, the study suggests.
Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 women who dated or were married to incarcerated partners, analyzing the impact of courtesy stigma and women's coping strategies. The study found that despite disapproval from loved ones, women chose to remain in their relationships, highlighting benefits such as deeper communicat...
A study examining Pennsylvania death penalty cases found that victim's gender and race affected every outcome. Cases with white female, male or black male victims were more likely to receive a death sentence than those with black female victims. The study also found that prosecutors were more likely to seek the death penalty in cases w...
A new study found that the public generally opposes repressive policing of protesters, but certain tactics by protesters increase fear and support for police repression. The goals of protests also impact support for police repression, with racially resentful individuals more supportive of repression.
Researchers found that candidates' pro-gun messages and NRA funding influence voters' evaluations, with racial resentment moderating the effects. Voters who own guns or are racially resentful were more likely to support candidates with similar views, while those low in racial resentment preferred pro-gun control candidates.
The study aims to identify patterns of case outcomes and document evidence types in federal and state prosecuted cases involving trafficking. The researchers will analyze administrative court data to understand prosecutions in trafficking cases.
Researchers found that individuals have a threshold for opting out of offending, which varies across criminal situations. The study identified reverse bandwagon effects, where group presence both promotes and deters offending intentions.
A study of federal sentencing data found that Black and Hispanic offenders were more likely to be eligible for life sentences, but not more likely to receive them. The study analyzed data on over 366,000 non-immigration offenders from 2010 to 2017.
A study found that informal parole status uniquely contributes to the likelihood of receiving a prison sentence, with a large and consistent impact across sentencing guidelines. This cumulative disadvantage disproportionately affects Black defendants, exacerbating the Black-White gap in prison sentences.
A new study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that both anabolic steroid and legal performance-enhancing substance use are longitudinally associated with criminal offending among U.S. adults, particularly during young and middle adulthood. The study highlights the need for research on performance-enhancing substances to un...
A randomized controlled experiment found that a 30-minute empathy exercise for probation and parole officers reduced their belief that individuals on probation are likely to reoffend. The intervention also led to a 13% decrease in recidivism rates among those supervised.
A new study led by Allison Redlich will investigate the factors influencing exoneree compensation, including false confessions. The research aims to improve state and federal policies to address wrongful convictions.
A new intervention program aimed at preventing sexual abuse has received a $1.5 million CDC grant to assess its effectiveness. The program, developed by UMass Lowell criminology researcher Ryan Shields, aims to prevent child sexual abuse and provide support for victims.
A recent experimental study found that even mild sleep restriction impairs information disclosure during criminal interviews, contradicting widespread assumptions. Sleep-restricted participants provided around 7% less information and reported lower motivation to recall details.
Jennifer Lerch received funding from the State of Delaware to provide assistance to the Delaware Department of Corrections in using the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Simulation Tool. The project aims to enhance the tool's capabilities and address inmate needs.
Allison Redlich and Jodi Quas are studying the best ways to question victims of human trafficking through an anonymous survey of law enforcement's experiences. They aim to identify gaps in knowledge that can be addressed via additional resources.
Research shows that young refugees exposed to traumatic experiences, abuse, and poverty are at risk of mental illness. The study found that multiple risk factors increase the likelihood of functional deficits and behavioral problems.
A collaborative study built predictive models to forecast six life outcomes based on 15-year social science data. The findings suggest that even the most accurate models were not reliable, casting doubt on the assumption of predictable life trajectories.
Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) discovered a vulnerability in field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) used in cloud services, allowing hackers to carry out side-channel attacks and spy on other users. The finding highlights the need for protection measures to safeguard against cyber threats.
A recent study found that experiencing racial discrimination makes black teens and young adults more likely to engage in social and political activism. Cultural racial discrimination increases willingness for low-risk activism, while institutional discrimination has a complex relationship with high-risk activism. Public regard plays a ...
A new study by University of Kent researchers suggests that young men in Southern Italy who prioritize masculine honour are more likely to engage with criminal organisation members. The research highlights the importance of addressing these values in education programmes aimed at preventing young people's involvement with such groups.
Research from Bar-Ilan University suggests that excessive focus on self-control can lead to inflexible behavioral patterns, over-emphasis on norm-adherence, and strict rational thinking. This can result in problems with information processing, decision-making, and social behavior.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that certain phishing strategies are more effective than others in deceiving victims. The study identified tactics like communicating failure, using an authoritative tone, and expressing a shared interest as successful approaches.
A recent study from New Zealand found no consistent association between childhood lead exposure and adult criminal behavior, challenging previous research on the topic. Despite well-documented effects of lead on brain development, researchers did not detect a dose-response relationship between higher childhood blood levels and increase...
Research finds belief in free will predicts support for harsh criminal punishment and disapproval of unethical behavior in countries with honest governance. In contrast, in countries with weak governance or corruption, free will beliefs have no effect on attitudes toward unethical behavior.
A study by the University of Liverpool found that providing a judicial warning when presenting transcript and video evidence to jurors improves their assessment of witness reliability. The research suggests that warnings are necessary in some cases, such as when video evidence is presented alone, and can help jurors consider the credib...
A new UTSA study examines how phishing e-mails thrive on overconfidence, finding that self-efficacy is a major factor. The researchers created experimental surveys with subjects choosing between genuine and phishing emails, revealing why certain tactics appeal to different people.
Researchers developed a system called PREDATOR that identifies potentially malicious website registrations and blocks them, reducing the window for harm. The tool detected 70% of known blacklisted sites based on registration data alone with a false positive rate of 0.35%.
The Indian star tortoise is being poached on a massive scale, with at least 55,000 individuals seized in a single year from one trade hub in India. The tortoises are sold to consumers for exotic pets or spiritual purposes, often for low prices, threatening their conservation and welfare.
A University of Leicester study found that high-risk and impulsive offenders require extra support to complete rehabilitation programs, with non-completers exhibiting higher levels of non-planning impulsivity. The research suggests that these offenders may benefit from additional pre-programme work or ongoing support during the program.
A new study by University of Washington and Columbia University researchers found significant security weaknesses in journalists' technological tools and ad-hoc workarounds. Despite the importance of protecting sensitive information, many journalists use insecure methods to organize notes and communicate with sources.
A study of over 69,000 individuals in Sweden found no association between varenicline and increased risks of suicidal behaviours, criminal offending, transport accidents, or psychoses. However, a small increased risk was found in individuals with pre-existing psychiatric disorders during periods of medication.
A UT Dallas study found that high academic achievement and school attachment increase willingness to report knowledge about guns and knives, while prior knowledge of school security is associated with increased intent to report. Most students would report a gun or knife to parents, family members, or authority figures.
The use of genetic evidence in courts holds potential for assisting with judgments on criminal behavior, but also raises concerns about misinterpretation and misuse. Experts emphasize the need for careful evaluation to ensure that conclusions drawn from genetic data reflect valid science.
A new study reveals that adolescents who participate in sports exhibit significantly lower rates of hazardous drinking compared to their non-athletic peers. This finding contradicts earlier research, suggesting that organized sports participation may have a protective effect against alcohol misuse among young offenders.
A study by Dr. Daniel Boduszek reveals substantial empirical evidence linking psychopathy to increased criminal behavior and recidivism. The research also identifies the Interpersonal-Affective traits of psychopathy as a key factor in instrumental violence among offenders.
A study by Northwestern University found that many caregiver agencies do not conduct thorough background checks or provide adequate training for their employees. This can put vulnerable seniors at risk of abuse and neglect. The study suggests that consumers should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to ensure they hire a qua...
Experts have confirmed that UK road users are jamming GPS signals, with over 60 individual incidents recorded in one location. The phenomenon poses a significant threat to maritime navigation, with ships relying heavily on GPS for safe passage.
Research found that mothers who smoked heavily during pregnancy had kids who were more likely to become repeat criminal offenders as adults. The study, which tracked over 4,000 adults from 1959-1966, showed a 30% increased chance of arrest among children whose mothers smoked heavily.
The GTISC Emerging Cyber Threats Report for 2011 highlights three key areas of security risk: physical systems, botnets, and mobile devices. The report warns of increased threats to infrastructure and healthcare systems due to growing connectivity.
Researchers estimate forced marriages occur in many countries, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Eastern Europe, where they are often used to obtain citizenship or settle debts. Despite limited data, a new study aims to shed light on this taboo issue, with plans for comparative research and interviews with victims.
A study by US-based researchers found that great white sharks use highly focused hunting methods, comparable to those of serial criminals. The research used geographic profiling techniques to analyze shark attack data and located the anchor point for younger sharks.
A study published in the American Journal of Nursing found that nearly 40% of nurses on probation for misconduct committed another act between 2001 and 2005. Nurses with a history of criminal conviction were more likely to recidivate, emphasizing the importance of enabling state nursing boards.
A University of Warwick professor argues that the former James Bond villains have become eerily relevant in today's world, mirroring modern security threats. Their tactics, such as exploiting globalization and secrecy, are now employed by real-world enemies like terrorist groups, arms smugglers, and warlords.
Recent terror attacks have raised concerns about discriminating against overseas doctors who work in the NHS. The Lancet Editorial warns that such actions would be shameful and unjust, given the significant contributions overseas doctors have made to the healthcare system.
A study has identified rural individuals who frequently visit trauma centers for separate injuries, with substance abuse being the common thread. These recidivists are more likely to be older, white, and female, and have higher rates of positive blood alcohol screening results.
A study by Karolinska Institutet found that alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of violent behavior, with a 13.2-fold higher risk within 24 hours. Use of certain medications, such as benzodiazepines and antidepressants, was associated with a decreased risk of violence.
MassSpectator eliminates manual translation errors by automatically identifying peak sizes in mass spectrometry data. This allows for faster and more accurate chemical compound analysis, benefiting law enforcement agencies conducting criminal investigations.
A trial of the clot-busting drug tenecteplase suggests it may improve outcomes in some cases of cardiac arrest. A pharmacist-managed service also showed promising results by reducing recidivism among CVD patients, with women achieving lower target cholesterol levels.
Researchers have identified a phenomenon where TV viewers misremember facts from news stories, often due to stereotypical thinking. To combat this, they suggest using semantic elaboration to promote critical thinking. By displaying the wrong-doer's face before or alongside the news anchor, false memories can be corrected.
Research reveals that aggressive young children often feel rejected by their friends, school, and parents. The study challenges the assumption that aggressive kids have high self-esteem.
A new Ohio University study reveals that the political makeup of Congress and the party affiliation of the president play a significant role in shaping Supreme Court justices' rulings in criminal cases. The research found that liberal decisions by the court mirrored Democrats' influence, while conservative decisions were more prevalent...
The Family Solutions Project, which combines first-time juvenile offenders with their parents and siblings, has shown a 21 percent decrease in recidivism rates. The program emphasizes problem-solving skills, decision making, and communication to help young people develop new peer groups.