Use of stun guns increases injuries
Studies found that stun gun use increases citizen injuries by 41% when solo and 47% when paired with other force methods, but officer safety is also heightened
Police
Articles tagged with Police
Safer sex work spaces reduce violence and HIV risks for street-involved women
A study by BC-CfE and UBC found that safer indoor sex work spaces promote health and safety among street-based sex workers, reducing exposure to violence and HIV. These programs provide supportive housing, security measures, and health resources, increasing control over sex work transactions and improving relations with police.
Stun guns not safe for citizens, but benefit police, study finds
A Michigan State University study found that citizens are injured 41% of the time when stun guns are used during apprehension, compared to 29% without stun gun use. Meanwhile, officers are injured only 5% with stun guns, but nearly 10% without.
Reminders of secular authority reduce believers' distrust of atheists
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that reminding people about secular authority decreases their distrust of atheists. The research suggests that when individuals are reminded of the role of government and law in maintaining social order, they become less negative towards atheists.
In defense of older drivers
The Canadian Medical Association Journal disputes the notion that older drivers are inherently poor. Frailty and driving habits contribute to their overrepresentation in fatal crashes. Despite this, many physicians base licensing decisions on incorrect beliefs.
Emergency dispatchers suffer from symptoms of PTSD, study reveals
A new study finds that emergency dispatchers experience high levels of peritraumatic distress and symptoms of PTSD after handling potentially traumatic calls. The research highlights the need for prevention and intervention support for these workers.
Racial stereotyping increases after being exposed to alcohol-related images says MU psychologist
Researchers found that exposure to alcohol-related images can lead to increased expression of racial bias on a subconscious level. Participants who viewed these ads made more errors indicative of racial bias in a subsequent task than those who viewed non-alcoholic beverage ads.
Study: Stress-induced cortisol facilitates threat-related decision making among police officers
A study by Columbia Business School researchers found that stress-induced cortisol increases facilitate accurate threat-related decision making in police officers, especially when dealing with armed black targets. The findings suggest that police departments may benefit from modulating stress levels during training to improve accuracy.
Just 60 seconds of combat impairs memory
A study by Dr. Lorraine Hope found that less than 60 seconds of physical exertion can severely impair a police officer's ability to remember details of an incident, including recognizing the person involved. This can lead to inaccuracies in witness accounts and potentially affect an officer's credibility.
Chimpanzees have policemen, too
Researchers found that chimpanzees intervene in conflicts to preserve group peace, exhibiting prosocial behavior based on community concern. This policing activity was rare and limited to high-ranking individuals, who were more willing to intervene if several quarrelers were involved.
Chimpanzees have policemen, too
In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers observed chimpanzee groups and found that high-ranking individuals intervene in conflicts to ensure group stability. This behavior is driven by a community concern interest, with more parties to a conflict resulting in greater policing.
Simulator computes evacuation scenarios for major events
The simulator uses a force model to represent the behavior of thousands of pedestrians, taking into account obstacles and destinations. This allows security services to track the consequences of specific decisions in real-life situations.
Local cops on front lines against product counterfeiting
A new report from Michigan State University criminologists found that local police were involved in nearly half of the identified product counterfeiting cases related to Michigan, highlighting their crucial role in combating this growing crime. The study also revealed alarming statistics, including a $3 million fine for an individual c...
News coverage of alcohol's harm may sway support for liquor-control laws
A recent study found that news coverage emphasizing the role of alcohol in violent crime and fatal injuries can increase public support for alcohol-control laws. The study revealed that most news reports on these topics fail to mention alcohol, leading to a lack of awareness about its contribution to accidents and violence.
Canadian police agencies suppressing data on race, says criminology study
A recent study by University of Toronto and Nipissing criminologists reveals that Canadian police departments largely do not report race in practice, despite only 20% having an explicit policy against it. This suppression of data hinders the development of effective initiatives to improve relations with racialized communities.
Police integrity lost: A study of law enforcement officers arrested
A 24-month research project aims to develop a national profile of police integrity by analyzing police crime committed by sworn law enforcement officers. The study will determine the nature and extent of police crime in the US and how law enforcement agencies discipline officers who are arrested.
Sleep disorders common among police officers
A study found that 40% of police officers have a sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea or insomnia, which can lead to adverse health and safety outcomes. The study also showed that positive screening for any sleep disorder was associated with increased risk of depression, burnout, and accidents while driving.
Abolish the criminalization of HIV
The Canadian Medical Association Journal article argues that routine HIV disclosure prosecutions are unnecessary and harmful. With highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the transmission of HIV from treated individuals is now extremely low, making criminal prosecution ineffective in preventing infection.
Concerns about teen sexting overblown, according to new UNH research
Two UNH studies found that only 2.5% of youth surveyed participated in sexting in the past year, and most cases involving teens were handled thoughtfully by law enforcement without treating them like sex offenders. The studies also revealed that images rarely circulated online, with two-thirds staying on cell phones.
Stress response predictor in police officers may indicate those at high risk for PTSD
A study led by Dr. Charles Marmar found that police recruits with higher cortisol awakening responses were more likely to experience acute stress symptoms in response to trauma years later. The study suggests that measuring cortisol levels could be a potential indicator for identifying those at high risk for PTSD.
Post-traumatic stress risk to police officers lower than previously thought
A groundbreaking study by the Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk to police officers is lower than initially thought. Police officers who received interventional support after traumatic events showed reduced symptoms of PTSD.
False confessions may lead to more errors in evidence, a study shows
A new study found that false confessions are a common cause of errors in evidence, with 25% of exonerated individuals having made false confessions. The study suggests that juries and judges may be misled by false confessions, leading to miscarriages of justice.
Only a third of US state police agencies equip cars with AEDs
A new study reveals that only 30% of US state police agencies have automated external defibrillators in their vehicles, despite the lifesaving devices being available for nearly $1,000 each. Training for officers in AED use is common, but equipment availability remains a significant issue.
UC research suggests focusing on property owners to reduce police calls to rental properties
A University of Cincinnati study found that a small group of landlords own many properties with high crime rates, suggesting that property owners themselves may be the root cause of the problem. The researchers recommend focusing on educating and targeting these landlords to reduce police calls and crime in the area.
UC research shows art imitates life -- the 'hard' life, that is
Researchers found that photos taken by police and fashion agents share similar characteristics, highlighting the universality of image-making processes. The study suggests that both fields use documentary portraits to fix identities motivated by transformation, with similar lighting, poses, branding, and record-keeping.
Fighting violent gang crime with math
Researchers at UCLA have designed a mathematical algorithm to analyze crime patterns and identify street gangs involved in unsolved violent crimes. The algorithm, which was tested on real data from an East Los Angeles police district, correctly identified the most likely gang rivalries 80% of the time.
Health effects of financial crisis: Omens of a Greek tragedy
Healthcare access in Greece declined during the financial crisis, with long waiting times and supply-side problems contributing to reduced doctor consultations. This led to increased hospital admissions, suicides, and other alarming indicators such as rising HIV infections and heroin use.
Targeted policing has knock-on benefits
A new study by University College London found that targeted policing can lead to a reduction in crime not only in the targeted area but also in surrounding locations, known as 'diffusion of benefits'. Problem-oriented policing was shown to have the greatest positive effect on crime in nearby areas.
Studies question effectiveness of sex offender laws
Two studies cast doubt on whether sex offender registries work as intended, finding that registration requirements reduce reported sex crime by up to 13%, but public notification may actually increase recidivism. A third study finds no evidence that sex offender registries are effective in increasing public safety.
Emergency workers will respond
Researchers found that role abandonment by first responders is unlikely if organizations are proactive in protecting their employees. The study suggests that employers should reach out to families and provide support and resources for spouses to alleviate role strain. Additionally, education on disaster threats and personal protective ...
Are those liquids explosive?
Researchers developed a method to analyze confiscated indoor fireworks using four techniques, revealing hazardous substances like methanol and boric acid. The technique can be performed with mobile devices and provides conclusive scientific tests on the nature of these liquids.
Right to remain silent not understood by many suspects
Research suggests that almost 1 million US criminal cases are compromised each year due to a lack of understanding about Miranda warnings. According to psychologist Richard Rogers, defendants often incorrectly believe their silence can be used against them in court.
Study suggests police officer wrongfully convicted for missing the 'obvious'
Researchers tested a Boston police officer's claim of running past a brutal beating without seeing it. The study found that even under less demanding conditions than the officer faced, it's possible to miss something as obvious as a fight. The results suggest that inattentional blindness may have played a role in the officer's conviction.
'Policing' stops cheaters from dominating groups of cooperative bacteria
Researchers found that cooperative bacteria can evolve behaviors that eliminate fitness advantages derived from cheating within social groups. The 'policing' mechanism allows cooperators to outcompete cheaters in mixed groups, but also strongly benefits cooperator cells in certain contexts.
CSI: Infection
Geographic profiling successfully located the sources of disease outbreaks in London and Cairo, revealing breeding habitats of mosquito Anopheles sergentii. This method shows great promise as a component of policy relating to control of various infectious diseases.
Digital forensic examiners face stress, role-conflict
Digital forensic examiners experience moderate stress but high job satisfaction due to unclear standards and multiple ways of collecting evidence. Police officials should consider hiring more digital forensics experts or improving their work environment.
Research to target untested rape kits
A new study funded by the National Institute of Justice will investigate the issue of untested rape kits in Houston and develop strategies to solve the problem. The project includes collaboration between researchers from Sam Houston State University, the University of Texas at Austin, and law enforcement agencies.
Study finds reports of domestic violence rise 10 percent after NFL upsets
An analysis of 900 regular-season NFL games found a 10% increase in calls to police reporting men's assaults on their wives or intimate partners following losses by the local team. The researchers suggest that unexpected disappointments, particularly those involving traditional rival teams, may lead to an increase in violent behavior.
3 in 4 domestic violence victims go unidentified in emergency rooms, Penn study shows
A new Penn study reveals that nearly 80% of women who report domestic assaults to the police seek medical care in emergency rooms, but only 28% are ever identified as victims of abuse. The study highlights the need for routine screening and referrals to social services to help protect these women.
Happy hour linked to pub violence
A Cardiff University study found a strong link between happy hour-style drinking promotions and pub violence in the UK. The research suggests that premises with aggressive pricing strategies and lax staff monitoring are more likely to experience high levels of violence.
Method developed to match police sketch, mug shot
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a system that can automatically match hand-drawn facial sketches to mug shots in law enforcement databases. The method achieved promising results, correctly identifying the suspect in 45% of cases.
Building trust with cooperative witnesses in a crime investigation
Research shows that building rapport before interviewing cooperative adult witnesses decreases the percentage of inaccurate information reported, especially when using open-ended questions.
University of Cincinnati research presented at international criminal justice meeting
UC researchers showcase Effective Practices in Community Supervision, targeting criminogenic risk factors, and examine the impact of police technology on officer safety and efficiency. They also investigate police interventions to prevent crime, analyzing calls for service and identifying geographic areas most in need of assistance.
Lesbian moms vulnerable when abused, reluctant to seek help
A study by University of Illinois professors reveals that lesbian moms who experience intimate partner violence are often reluctant to seek help due to fear of losing custody. The researchers found that these women assume people are prejudiced against them and may try to solve the problem alone or hide their abuse from others.
Iowa State study examines why innocent suspects may confess to a crime
Researchers at Iowa State University found that innocent suspects may confess to a crime to relieve short-term distress and avoid long-term consequences. In two experiments, participants shifted their admissions to avoid immediate questions, even knowing it increased the likelihood of future consequences.
Psychology and the law: A special issue of Current Directions in Psychological Science
Research suggests that eyewitness identifications and expert testimony are often unreliable due to bias. Alternative methods like the PEACE model can reduce false confessions. Juries are largely effective at considering evidence, despite implicit biases.
Research shows good cop beats bad cop
A University of Montreal study found that playing on a criminal's guilt can yield more effective confessions than coercive methods. The research analyzed the conditions under which prisoners confessed to their crimes, highlighting the importance of police evidence and the interrogator's attitude.
MSU leads first study of resiliency on the battlefield
Researchers at MSU found that soldiers with a positive outlook were less likely to experience health problems after traumatic events. The study suggests training individuals to think more optimistically could help them cope better with distressing events.
Child and youth victimization less hidden from authorities
A national survey found that 58.3% of children and teens reported at least one direct victimization in the past year, with 45.7% known to authorities. School authorities were more likely to be aware than police or medical authorities.
Teen girls in most deprived areas 5 times as likely to be assaulted
Research reveals that teen girls living in the most deprived areas are five times as likely to be assaulted compared to their affluent peers. The disparity is particularly pronounced for girls living in city areas, who are almost three times more likely to experience assault.
UT researcher finds power and corruption may be good for society
Researchers Francisco Úbeda and Edgar Duéñez found that moral corruption and power asymmetries are necessary for overall societal cooperation. Without law enforcers, individuals have less incentive to cooperate, while without power and corruption, law enforcers lose their motivation to do their job.
People in jobs traditionally held by the other sex are judged more harshly for mistakes
A recent study found that individuals in high-powered jobs that don't align with their gender are more likely to be judged less competently and face greater scrutiny for mistakes. This phenomenon, known as the glass cliff, can hinder women's career advancement in traditionally male roles.
Lesbian, gay and bisexual teens singled out for punishment
A Yale University study found that LGB adolescents are 40% more likely to be punished by school authorities, police, and the courts. Girls who identified as lesbian or bisexual were especially at risk for unequal treatment, with twice as many police stops, arrests, and convictions.
Urban youth cope with neighborhood violence in diverse ways
Exposure to community violence is pervasive among urban youth, who adopt coping strategies such as associating with non-violent friends or avoiding situations where violence may erupt. Achievement in school is a common pathway for some youth to escape violent environments and improve their future prospects.
Perceived bad boys receive less pain medications
A study by Case Western Reserve University found that emergency department doctors are less likely to prescribe pain medication to patients with a history of crime, drug abuse, or poor health status. The researchers surveyed 398 physicians and analyzed the data to identify social biases in prescription practices.
Please blow
A new generator has been developed to produce synthetic breath for evidential breath analyzers, reducing measurement uncertainty in alcohol concentration. The device can also be used to calibrate other sensors with different components.
When the right suit matters
The US Department of Homeland Security is developing a national standard for bomb suits to provide sufficient protection for first responders. The proposed standard outlines minimum performance requirements, including blast and thermal heat protection, freedom of motion, and defogger performance, to ensure the safety of bomb technicians.
UK youth justice system treats ethnic groups differently
The UK youth justice system disproportionately affects black and mixed-race youths through proactive policing methods. Researchers found that different policing styles led to varying arrest rates and outcomes for suspects, with more professional approaches resulting in fewer arrests of minority groups.
Providing body armor to all US police officers is worth the cost, study finds
A new RAND Corporation study concludes that providing body armor to all US police officers nationwide is worth the cost, with a potential saving of at least eight lives annually. The study estimates that outfitting all 236,000 officers without body armor would cost $26 million annually.
Schools safer, discipline worse
Research by Professor Aaron Kupchik finds that schools are safer than ever, yet disciplinary practices continue to be overly aggressive and ineffective. He recommends alternatives such as removing police from schools and involving students in the rule-making process to promote safety and well-being.