Add BrightSurf on Google Email

New study on the crime risk on London Underground

A new study published in Crime Science found that below ground offences are concentrated at particular stations, with the highest risk during morning and late afternoon peak travel periods. The research developed an algorithm to calculate the probability of where theft is most likely, helping authorities target resources more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalCrime Science·DateApr 4, 2014

Black boys viewed as older, less innocent than whites, research finds

A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that black boys are more likely to be perceived as older and less innocent than their white peers in police encounters. Researchers tested 176 police officers and found that those who dehumanized blacks were more likely to use force against a black child.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 6, 2014

Workers, get up and move

A University of Iowa study reveals police work is primarily sedentary, with officers expending energy comparable to washing dishes or ironing. The findings highlight the need for workplaces to encourage movement and introduce low-cost aids like standing computer workstations.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2014

Weapons tied to repeat domestic abuse

A new MSU study found that the use of knives, guns, or vehicles in initial abuse incidents is a key predictor of ongoing domestic violence. Women who experienced such incidents were more likely to make follow-up calls to police for physical and nonphysical abuse.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalViolence Against Women·DateJan 29, 2014

Shadowy world of Britain's discount hitmen revealed in new study

A new study reveals the shadowy world of Britain's discount hitmen, with victims often murdered while walking their dogs or shopping in suburban neighborhoods. The study identifies four main types of contract killers, including novice, dilettante, journeyman, and master hitmen.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Howard Journal of Criminal Justice·DateJan 27, 2014

Survival rates similar for gunshot/stabbing victims whether brought to the hospital by police or EMS

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found no significant difference in survival rates between gunshot and stabbing victims transported by police or EMS. The study examined over 4,100 patients and found that those transported by police were more likely to die due to their initial severity of injury.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJan 2, 2014

Democracy pays

In a public goods game, participants preferred institutions with punishment for tax evaders to increase cooperation. A majority decision ensured the institution was established, promoting group benefits. Democratic choices led to more cooperative behavior and greater profits.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2013

A better breathalyzer

Researchers developed a novel breathalyzer that uses a reusable, color-changing opal sensor to detect alcohol vapor concentration. The device can provide precise digital readings and is usable multiple times, making it a promising solution for police officers.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateOct 8, 2013

Characteristics of family killers revealed by first taxonomy study

A study analyzing three decades of British 'family annihilator' cases reveals four new types of male-dominated family killers, each with unique characteristics and motivations. The study found that August was the most common month for killings to take place, and stabbings were the most common murder method.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Howard Journal of Criminal Justice·DateAug 15, 2013

Cities with high racial economic inequality and widespread poverty increase police force size

Research by University of Missouri sociologists found that cities with high racial economic inequality and widespread poverty tend to increase their police forces. The study suggests that the perception of threat is influenced by a combination of large inequalities and severe poverty, leading city governments to boost police force size.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Sociology and Social Policy·DateAug 8, 2013

To catch a cyber-thief

A new technique developed by researchers at Concordia University has slashed data-crunching time for law enforcement, allowing investigators to extract hidden knowledge from large volumes of text. The new method automatically identifies criminal topics and provides visualization of social networks among participants.

SourceConcordia University·JournalData & Knowledge Engineering·DateJun 5, 2013

Training program developed by U of A medical researchers leads to police using less force

A one-day training program designed by U of A medical researchers led to officers being more likely to recognize mental health issues during calls and less likely to use physical force. The training resulted in long-term behaviour change and saved the police force $80,000 due to increased efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateMar 18, 2013

City layout key to predicting riots

Researchers at University College London have developed a computer model that highlights the importance of city layout in predicting and suppressing riots. The study uses data from the 2011 London riots to simulate patterns and identify susceptible areas, enabling police to deploy resources more effectively.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 21, 2013

Math helps detect gang-related crime and better allocate police resources

Researchers used police department records to determine gang memberships based on social and geographical information, identifying hotspots and clusters of individuals with similar behavior. The study showed that incorporating both social and geographic distance in models of gang violence provides more comprehensive analysis.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateFeb 14, 2013

Ben-Gurion U. researchers use data from traffic app to identify high frequency accident locations

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University used Waze GPS data to identify intersections with the highest number of accidents, revealing police response time variability and underutilized resources. The study suggests that leveraging geosocial networks can improve road safety by providing real-time traffic and accident reports.

Young birds can get 'drunk' on fermented berries

A recent study by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) reveals that young blackbirds can become 'drunk' on fermented rowan berries. The birds exhibited symptoms similar to those of human intoxication, including unsteadiness, loss of coordination, and tendency to fall over.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateNov 2, 2012

Cops on the street: How many are needed?

A new guidebook provides a performance-based approach to police staffing and allocation, taking into account multiple factors such as crime rate, shift length, and community policing. The approach offers a more efficient way for agencies to determine the number of officers needed and deploy them effectively.

Risk-glorifying video games may lead teens to drive recklessly, new research shows

New research published by the American Psychological Association suggests that playing mature-rated, risk-glorifying video games can lead to increased rebelliousness and sensation seeking among adolescents. These traits are strongly associated with risky driving habits, automobile accidents, police stops, and a willingness to drink and...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateSep 11, 2012

Police need sleep for health, performance

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that police officers working evening or night shifts were more likely to get less restful sleep, leading to chronic fatigue and health issues. The study recommends practices to ensure proper sleep, such as adjusting court appearances and partnering with nurses.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalWorkplace Health & Safety·DateJul 18, 2012

Calling all truckers ... not!

Researchers in India have developed a system to detect and block cellphone use by drivers while driving. The technology, based on RFIDs, aims to reduce road traffic deaths by minimizing distractions caused by cell phone conversations.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Enterprise Network Management·DateJul 5, 2012