Articles tagged with Police
A new study reveals a significant association between police-related stress and physical markers of cardiovascular health risk in Black women. Women who expressed concern for their children's potential interactions with police had thicker carotid artery walls, indicating increased cardiovascular risk.
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.
The Trainer Identification Project is a pioneering initiative that explores new forensic techniques to identify criminals by their shoes. Using images of trainers under various light conditions, the team aims to develop fast and reliable tools for operational policing.
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.
The analysis explores how reduced fentanyl production costs affect the structure and conduct of the illegal opioid supply industry. It also assesses potential consequences for drug law enforcement organizations, finding modest declines in expenditures and income-generating crime.
Research highlights the complex role of police officers in schools, where relationship-based approaches can undermine trust and limit effective safeguarding responses. Police officers' dual roles blur boundaries, causing damage to trust, especially among girls affected by sexual harm.
A new UT Arlington study explores how sleep deprivation affects police performance and suggests tailored sleep interventions may help. Officers reported getting seven hours or less of sleep per night due to shift work, job pressure, and emotional fatigue.
Law enforcement use subjective tactics to detect marijuana impairment, but these methods have limited scientific basis. Scientists must get involved to develop reliable tools, and funding from legal marijuana sales could support research. A new perspective calls for a more evidence-based approach to road safety.
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 groundbreaking study found that training police officers in procedural justice leads to notable changes in their behavior, including increased patience, neutrality, and transparency. The results suggest that this approach can be a high-impact, low-cost strategy for improving public trust and community relationships.
A new study finds that procedural justice training, when supported by leadership, can improve police-community relations. The research conducted in Mexico City showed that such training can reshape how officers engage with the public, leading to increased trust.
A novel research project found that greener areas have fewer fatal police shootings, particularly in socially and economically disadvantaged communities. The study suggests that higher levels of greenness can reduce violence through mechanisms such as reduced crime, improved mental health, and increased civic engagement.
The Annual Antisemitism Worldwide Report found that despite a decline in the antisemitic wave after the war, levels remained significantly higher than before. Countries such as Australia, Italy, and Canada reported record-high numbers of incidents, with notable increases in physical assaults in France.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that victims of police shootings were shot far more times than those killed by civilians. The study analyzed data from the US National Violent Death Reporting System and found significant disparities in rates of gun-related crime and police practice across regions.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect gunshot residue at crime scenes, offering exciting opportunities for crime scene investigations. The innovative light-emitting lead analysis method is faster, more sensitive, and easier to use than current alternatives.
A new survey-based study from the University of Exeter found that police officers are more than twice as likely to have traumatic brain injuries compared to the general population. The study also revealed that officers who report a history of multiple traumatic brain injuries are over twice as likely to develop complex PTSD.
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 recent study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers used AI language models and human readers to analyze 1.3 million news excerpts referencing the police in 10 US cities from 2013 to 2023. The study found that local media criticism of police has remained steady, with only small differences in coverage between conservative and libe...
A large-scale study found that police officers with more active amygdalae before training were more likely to experience PTSD symptoms after traumatic events. The study suggests that understanding individual differences in amygdala activity can help make people more resilient to trauma.
A new survey will examine the experiences of 100,000 people in German cities, focusing on perceived 'foreign' individuals who face increased police checks. The study aims to understand racism and discrimination in police work, complemented by qualitative interviews with police officers and civil society groups.
A new study finds that trust in representative institutions is declining worldwide, with stable or rising trust in non-representative institutions. This decline is associated with support for populist parties and makes it harder for governments to respond to crises.
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.
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 recent study published in Frontiers in Communication reveals that people with non-standard accents are more likely to be associated with criminal behaviour, but perceptions vary between accents. The researchers found a significant link between class or status, negative traits, and expected behavior, particularly when it comes to crime.
A study analyzed police data in Atlantic City, NJ before and after the start of the pandemic, finding a temporary reduction in dispatched calls for mental health services. Police-initiated contact also decreased slightly after restrictions began, but no long-term trend was found.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers has identified four key themes to improve interactions between police and Black autistic youth, including concerns about police officers' training and the importance of patience and understanding. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive adaptations in police tra...
A study by the University of Southampton found that police investigators of Child Sexual Abuse Material experience high levels of depression and anxiety, with feelings of betrayal by colleagues and institutions being a significant predictor. In contrast, feeling successful and supported at work can act as a powerful buffer to these out...
The University of Rhode Island-based report card gives failing grades to over half the world's countries, with a median score of 52. Democratic countries tend to have better human rights records, but exceptions exist. The US scored a 62.5, ranking 66th, despite being a wealthy democratic country.
A new paper reveals widespread transnational human rights violations (THRVs) due to repressive states' intensifying tactics. The authors urge the establishment of 'Transnational Rights Protection Offices' to provide support and guidance for individuals affected by these actions.
A study found that police radio transmissions disproportionately involve Black suspects, posing a higher privacy risk for Black people. The researchers analyzed 24 hours of human-transcribed communications and found that Black males were mentioned most often, even in majority white zones.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that virtual reality training increased empathy and sympathy towards individuals with mental health conditions in police officers. The training, which simulated realistic scenarios, allowed officers to practice handling complex civilian interactions with greater emotional connection.
The Fayetteville Police Department has seen a significant improvement in its response to mental health crises thanks to its partnership with the University of Arkansas School of Social Work. The co-response teams, which pair officers with trained social workers, have reduced workload and helped better serve individuals in crisis.
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 new AI tool uses microbial communities as a 'microscopic fingerprint' to determine geographical source, opening up possibilities in medicine, epidemiology and forensics. The mGPS system achieves impressive precision, pinning down city sources for 92% of samples and distinguishing between handrails and kiosks in NYC.
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...
A new study found that interacting with virtual agents designed to resemble people with a migration background can increase trust in the police. The study showed that virtual agents are an effective tool for positive personal interaction with authorities, and their use could be a cost-effective solution for police forces.
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 article provides an orientation to using implementation science in policing by integrating effective and evidence-based innovations into routine practices. Researchers offer agendas for integrating IS into EBP, highlighting the importance of metrics to assess police practice outcomes.
Researchers used body-worn camera footage to study changes in police behavior after procedural justice training, finding a significant increase in respectful communication techniques with drivers of all races. Post-training stops were twice as likely to use formal titles and express concern for the driver's safety.
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 by Richard Boylan found that geographic disparities in US homicide rates have decreased since the 1970s, contradicting expectations. Economic and social inequalities between regions have grown, but violent crime rates have fallen, with possible explanations including improved policing and incarceration rates.
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.
The study found a significant reduction in firearm homicide mortality after the implementation of Florida's red flag law, with an 11% rate decrease. However, no differences were observed in nonfirearm homicide rates, suicide rates, or nonfirearm suicide rates.
A new Australian study reveals that people experiencing homelessness face constant and intrusive police interactions, leading to feelings of intimidation, harassment, and stigma. The research highlights the need for improved social security nets, community support services, and public housing infrastructure.
A new study finds that policing incidents are linked to higher rates of psychiatric hospitalization among young people in heavily policed neighborhoods. The association is stronger in neighborhoods with a larger proportion of Black residents and persists even after controlling for crime levels.
A new study found that 45% of police shootings occurred in rural zip codes and 22% in suburban areas from 2015-2020. The study also revealed racial disparities in injury rates across urban-rural continuum, with Black and Native American residents disproportionately affected.
A new study reveals that law enforcement officers experience a high prevalence of head injuries and related mental health symptoms, including PTSD and depressive symptoms. The survey found that 74% of officers reported a lifetime history of one or more head injuries.
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.
Researchers identified 24 categories of police misconduct, including officer failure to report and perjury, sexual-related crimes, and drug offenses. Findings show that a small number of counties account for most of the incidents and relative harm, highlighting disparities in disciplinary outcomes.
A new study found that a fatigue-management program improved sleep duration and reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety among Seattle police officers. The training also lowered rates of falling asleep while driving.
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 new study from Ohio State University found that virtual reality technology can accurately record shooting performance and track individuals' progress over time. The research team used the VirTra V-100 simulator to measure 21 relevant variables, including accuracy, decision-making, and reaction time.
A new paper reviews Tommie Shelby's book on prison abolition, arguing that Shelby misreads the intentions of the movement. The author contends that while prisons cause real harm, quibbling with abolition may be unproductive. The paper examines how mass incarceration structures US society through fear, racism, and police brutality.
A new study led by Cornell University expert Wenfei Xu found significant racial bias in traffic stops by Chicago police, with Black drivers being stopped at a higher rate than white drivers. The study used GPS data and analyzed over 650,000 traffic stops to confirm the bias.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Black drivers in Chicago are disproportionately more likely to be stopped by police (70% vs. under 20%) than being ticketed by speed cameras (54% vs. just under 50%). Researchers call for authorities to investigate racial biases in traffic systems.
Residents of all races are more likely to sustain injuries if they live in economically under-resourced areas, but rates decrease with greater racial diversity. Injuries also increase in disadvantaged communities across all three regions of Illinois.
The updated medical guidance shifts away from using the controversial term 'excited delirium,' which has been linked to deaths in police custody. Experts argue that the term is outdated and potentially offensive, with a related term being more commonly used in the UK.