Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Examining Predictors Of Student Perceptions Of University Responses To Sexual Misconduct, Megan Giovannini

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The prevalence of college students’ experiences with sexual violence has been well documented (e.g., Cantor et al., 2015; Fisher, Cullen & Turner, 2000; Krebs et al., 2007), along with the negative consequences associated with sexual victimization (e.g., Campbell, Dworkin & Cabral, 2009). Court cases, student disclosures, and media coverage have brought more attention to university responses to sexual misconduct and have attempted to hold universities accountable. The purpose of this study is to examine predictors of student perceptions of university responses to sexual misconduct, therefore adding to the existing literature. It is among one of the first to examine predictors …

Predictors Of Violent And Non-Violent Institutional Infractions Of Death Row Prisoners, Tereza Trejbalová

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Institutional misconduct has been widely researched in the criminological literature for more than 50 years, leading to an extensive knowledge about how and why different prisoners misbehave while incarcerated. Nevertheless, one correctional population has been mostly left out of these research pursuits – death row prisoners (DRPs). Although DRPs form a small fraction of the overall number of incarcerated individuals in the US, they tend to spend more than 20 years in maximum security facilities and require a considerable amount of resources. As such, it is imperative for the safety of the facility, the staff, and the prisoners themselves to …

Pandemic Emotions: The Extent, Correlates And Mental Health Consequences Of Personal And Altruistic Fear Of Covid-19, Melissa M. Sloan, Murat Haner, Amanda K. Graham, Francis T. Cullen, Justine T. Pickett, Cheryl L. Jonson

Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology Faculty Publications

COVID-19 has had unprecedented effects on populations around the world. Given the political context of the pandemic and the nation’s response to it, this study sought to assess the extent of Americans’ personal fear about the virus as well as their fear for others (altruistic fear), identify potential predictors of these fears, and examine the mental health impact of heightened COVID-19 fears. Overall, a majority of respondents worried about various aspects of the virus, from being exposed to dying, and reported often worrying about others, including family, the elderly, and healthcare professionals. Building on the fear of crime literature, we …

Intersectionality And Accessibility To Social Services, Nora Khuder

Thinking Matters Symposium

In times of a crisis the intersectionality of sex, class, and ability creates a vulnerable population. Many available “resources'' are exhausted, due to high demand. Intersectionality signifies the impact of multiple intersecting identities in society as a direct correlation to the specific and unique barriers of marginalized groups. Resources are currently limited due to the lack of representative data. Although many studies have been conducted, many researchers have failed to capture the need of social services in rural areas.

Investigation Of Palatal Rugoscopy For Forensic Human Identification, Cameron Filipe

Honors Theses

Human identification is critical to the field of forensic science as well as in many sub-disciplines, including forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, and forensic odontology. While few widely-accepted methods of identification dominate the discipline (primarily fingerprint and dental record analysis), the study of palatal rugae patterns (rugoscopy) is an emerging tool in human identification. Some studies suggest that patterns of the palatal rugae are an individualizing characteristic among humans. While the use of rugoscopy for identification has been explored as an identifying marker in the dental and orthodontic communities, its use for forensic applications is not widely recognized. Also, while some …

The Opportunities And Challenges Of Internet Of Things Evidence In Regard To Criminal Investigations, Nathan Mcclaran

Honors Theses

As internet-connected devices become more prevalent, the need for police and law enforcement to be able to utilize these devices when solving crimes steadily increases. Law enforcement agencies are already aware of the opportunities and challenges when interacting with computers and mobile cellular devices, but many agencies are unable to utilize these avenues of evidence because of limited access to resources able to forensically examine computing devices. In addition, the introduction of internet of things devices, such as Amazon Alexa and other microphone or camera connected devices, allows new opportunities for law enforcement agencies to gather digital forensic evidence either …

Clean Water For All: Examining Safe Drinking Water Act Violations Of Water Systems And Community Characteristics, Junghwan Bae

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Drinking water systems in the United States confront several challenges such as aging infrastructure, polluted source water, and fragmented systems. The burdens, however, are not equally distributed across the nation. Disadvantaged communities such as communities of color are disproportionately affected by drinking water-related problems.

This study focuses on drinking water quality violations and slow enforcement actions of Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) during 2016 to 2018. The EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) was used to obtain violation records and characteristics of community water systems. The data set in this study contains 21,845 community water systems. Based on the …

Impact Of Organizational Fairness On Ethical Policing In The Community, David Cepiel

Scholar Week 2016 - present

Since 2015, policing has suffered from negative publicity due to unfortunate and often deadly interactions between police officers and people of color. As a result of these sad events, various programs have been incorporated into many police departments to increase professionalism among officers. One such program focuses on increasing legitimacy by teaching procedural justice concepts to officers. This study examined the impacts of organizational fairness on officers from the perspective of procedural justice. Building on previous research, this study focused on the officers and sergeants employed in two small municipal police departments in the Midwestern United States. Ninety-eight participants from …

Death-By-Incarceration In Illinois, Joseph Dole

Northwestern Journal of Law & Social Policy

No abstract provided.

Policy Analysis On The Effectiveness Of Mental Health Courts, Madison Johnson

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

The objective of this research is to examine the effectiveness of mental health courts in reducing recidivism rates with mentally ill offenders. A systematic review of studies was conducted to assess the impact that mental health courts have in reducing recidivism. This research found these courts to be effective in reducing recidivism as well as being an effective means of intervention for mentally ill offenders.

A Policy Analysis On The Effectiveness Of Domestic Violence Courts, Sara Beth Stansberry

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

The objective of this research is to examine the effectiveness of Domestic Violence Courts in increasing offender accountability and recidivism, providing victim and offender services and safety, altering the view of domestic violence in the eyes of both the Criminal Justice System and citizens, and improving court processes and procedures. A systematic review of studies conducted to assess the impact of this policy on stated outcomes indicates that Domestic Violence Courts effectively reduce the negative effects that traditionally coincide with domestic violence cases. In addition, this policy has altered how victims are more confident in coming forward about their incident …

Gang Resistance Education And Training Program, Delaney Morris

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

The objective of this research is to examine the effectiveness of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program in decreasing juvenile gang membership, violence, and activity. A systematic review of studies conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the G.R.E.A.T. program and outcomes indicate that the policy is effective on reducing gang membership and activity. In addition, this policy has also provided positive skills for the juveniles in attempt to decrease potential gang membership risk factors.

A Policy Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Three Strikes Law As A Crime Deterrent, Nathan Owens

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

The objective of this research is to examine the effectiveness of Three Strikes Law at reducing rates of violent crime. A systematic review of studies conducted to assess the impact of this policy on stated outcomes indicates that the policy is an ineffective means of reducing violent crime. In addition, the policy increased costs for prisons, overrepresented non-violent felony offenders, and caused a significant increase in overcrowded prisons.

A Policy Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Portugal's Drug Decriminalization Policy, Emily Mothersbaugh

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

The objective of this research is to examine the effectiveness of Portugal’s Decriminalization Policy in reducing rates of addiction, HIV/AIDS/Hepatitis, drug use, drug related deaths, and interaction of drug users with law enforcement. ​A systematic review of studies conducted to assess the impact of this policy on stated outcomes indicates that the policy is an effective means of reducing these rates of addiction, disease, deaths, use of drugs, and interaction with the law. In addition, this policy has also impacted the drug markets of Portugal, and decreased levels of drug-related crime.

Policy Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of De-Escalation Training, Kennedy Culbreath

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

The objective of this research is to examine the effectiveness of de-escalation training on the rates of excessive force towards mentally ill and minority individuals. A systematic review of studies conducted to assess the impact of this policy on stated outcomes indicates that the policy is an effective means of reducing excessive rates outcomes between police officers, mentally ill, and minority citizens. In addition, the policy has also reduced the rate of assaults and increased confidence and skills in the medical field which contributes to the policy's effectiveness.

The Effectiveness Of The Decriminalization Of Prostitution On Rates Of Sex Trafficking., Madison Van Dyke

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

The objective of this research is to examine the effectiveness of the effectiveness of the decriminalization of prostitution on rates of sex trafficking. A systematic review of studies conducted to assess the impact of this policy on stated outcomes indicates that the policy is an ineffective means of reducing rates of sex trafficking. In addition, decriminalization has created unintended consequences in the criminal justice field that have led to a black market for sex trafficking.

The Effectiveness Of Victim-Witness Advocate Services, Carmen Mehling

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

The victims' movement in the United States occurred due to the development of victimology, the introduction of state victim compensation programs, the rise of the women's movement, and the rise of crime that was accompanied by a parallel dissatisfaction with the criminal justice system. The interest in victimology was due to the increasing concern about crime in America in the late 1960s. Research by Frank Cannavale found that the largest cause of prosecution failure was due to a lack of cooperation among victims-witnesses who stopped helping the justice system because it was indifferent to their most basic needs (Young & …

Advocacy In The Youth Justice System As A Speech-Language Pathologist, Jennifer Johnson

Honors Theses

In this work, an overview is given of the prevalence of language disorders within the youth offender population along with its implication for you g individuals in the criminal justice system. An evidence-based argument is made for the need for speech-language pathologists to advocate for youth offenders with language disorders by educating relevant personnel and providing language therapy services to youth offenders who qualify.

A Policy Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Prison Nursery Programs, Juliann Karfgin

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

The objective of this research is to examine the effectiveness of prison nurseries programs. A critical review of the empirical research indicates that prison nurseries, while controversial in use, have mostly positive outcomes related to mental health, relationship bond, and recidivism.

A Policy Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Hot Spot Policing, Ashley King

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

The objective of this research is to examine the effectiveness of Hot Spot Policing efforts in reducing rates of crime in high concentrated areas. A systematic review of studies conducted to assess the impact of this policy found that this policy is an effective means of reducing crime rates. In addition, this policy has also allowed for police agencies to make use of their limited resources in an effective manner.

A Policy Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Crisis Intervention Training, Hannah Elmore

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

The objective of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of Crisis Intervention Teams in diverting the mentally ill from the criminal justice system and reducing the rates of problematic interactions. A systematic review of studies conducted to assess the impact of this policy on stated outcomes indicates that the policy is an effective means of educating law enforcement on mentally ill individuals, diverting mentally ill individuals from the criminal justice system, and reducing problematic encounters. Keywords: crisis intervention training, mental illness, law enforcement

Quarantine Ethics: From Past To Covid-19, Chrystal Barnes

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Annual Conference

Quarantines have been a preventative measure for reducing communicable disease spread for centuries. The method of implementation can vary widely and to some extent requires some level of judgement from enforcing powers, often state police power. As such, historically, some quarantines have been unfairly enforced based on discriminatory practices. COVID-19 has brought about the most widespread and extended quarantine in U.S. history, which makes evaluating the ethics all the more critical. In addition, it is well established that COVID-19 impacts have disproportionately caused harm to populations, such as those who are of a low socioeconomic status and people of color. …

Noble Intent Is Not Enough To Run Veterans Court Mentoring Programs: A Qualitative Study Of Mentors’ Role Orientation And Responsibilities, Anne S. Douds, Eilenn M. Ahlin, Cassandra Atkin-Plunk, Michael Posteraro

Public Policy Faculty Publications

Mentoring is a key component of veterans treatment courts, a diversionary problem-solving court for justice-involved military veterans. Mentoring programs are unique to veterans’ courts; no other problem-solving courts systematically include them as critical components of their court programming. Despite their prominence in veterans courts, little is known about mentor program operations and court expectations for mentors’ roles and responsibilities. This study examines mentors’ roles and responsibilities as perceived by mentees, mentors, and veterans treatment court staff. Using in-depth interview data from respondents from each of these groups, supplemented by observational data from court hearings and pre-court meetings, we identify three …

Evaluation Of Sport Facilities In Sport Cities In Jordan, Sari Hamdan

Al-Balqa Journal for Research and Studies البلقاء للبحوث والدراسات

The aim of this study was to evaluate facilities in sport cities in Jordan. The sample of this study consisted of (24) employees in sport cities the researcher bilt a tool and validity and reliability was done for the research tool. The results showed that sport cities were in a good condition, however, El-Hussien city was significantly better than the other sport cities. The researcher recommended to using the research tool of this study as instrumentation to evaluate sports facilities in sport cities.

Italian Ambitions In Syria And Lebanon (1870-1945), Ahmad Alshrideh

Al-Balqa Journal for Research and Studies البلقاء للبحوث والدراسات

The aim of this study is to clarify the Italian Ambitions in Syria and Lebanon (1870-1945), and shows the Italian orientation in this region, and to know the Italian methods to achieve its ambitions. The study talks about the Italian movement towards Lebanon, and the Italians Intervention in Lebanese civil war 1860. Finally, the study recalls the Italian claims her mandate to Syria and Lebanon as an alternative to the French mandate. The study concluded that, despite Italys efforts to achieve its ambitions in Syria and Lebanon, it deeply collides with the legacy institutions that established by England and France …

The Impact Of Implementing The Principles Of Good Governance On The Quality Of Administrative Reports In The Palestinian Municipal Councils, Faeyz Abuamria, Nasser Mohammad Soud Jaradat, Mohammad Shaded

Al-Balqa Journal for Research and Studies البلقاء للبحوث والدراسات

This study aims at clarifying the impact of implementing the principles of good governance on the quality of administrative reports in the Palestinian municipal councils. A questionnaire was designed to pilot the views of mayors, deputy mayors, directors, heads of departments and employees in Bethlehem and Hebron directorates. Results showed that it is too early to talk about sound governance at local councils in the absence of applying the minimal principles of governance such as accountability, transparency and involving staff in decision-making. Furthermore, the administrative reports administered by the heads of administrative departments do not reflect the real situation nor …

Cyber-Victimization Trends In Trinidad & Tobago: The Results Of An Empirical Research, Troy Smith, Nikolaos Stamatakis

International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime

Cybertechnology has brought benefits to the Caribbean in the form of new regional economic and social growth. In the last years, Caribbean countries have also become attractive targets for cybercrime due to increased economic success and online presence with a low level of cyber resilience. This study examines the online-related activities that affect cybercrime victimization by using the Routine Activity Theory (RAT). The present study seeks to identify activities that contribute to different forms of cybercrime victimization and develop risk models for these crimes, particularly the understudied cyber-dependent crimes of Hacking and Malware. It also aims to explore if there …

Assessing The Credibility Of Cyber Adversaries, Jenny A. Wells, Dana S. Lafon, Margaret Gratian

International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime

Online communications are ever increasing, and we are constantly faced with the challenge of whether online information is credible or not. Being able to assess the credibility of others was once the work solely of intelligence agencies. In the current times of disinformation and misinformation, understanding what we are reading and to who we are paying attention to is essential for us to make considered, informed, and accurate decisions, and it has become everyone’s business. This paper employs a literature review to examine the empirical evidence across online credibility, trust, deception, and fraud detection in an effort to consolidate this …

Cyberbullying: Its Social And Psychological Harms Among Schoolers, Hyeyoung Lim, Hannarae Lee

International Journal of Cybersecurity Intelligence & Cybercrime

Criminal justice around the world has prioritized the prevention and protection of bullying and its victims due to the rapid increases in peer violence. Nevertheless, relatively few studies have examined what treatments or assistance are effective for peer victims to reduce and recover from their social and psychological suffering, especially in cyberbullying cases. Using data derived from the National Crime Victimization Survey-School Crime Supplement data in 2011 and 2013 (N=823), the current study examined the impact of two emotional support groups (i.e., adult and peer groups) on cyberbullying victims' social and psychological harm. The findings indicated that both adult and …

U.S. Prisons And System Reform, Darian Reimels

English Department: Research for Change - Wicked Problems in Our World

Prison systems, specifically in the U.S., are a wicked problem. For years prisoners have been treated inhumanely inside and outside of prison, with everyone looking at them with a judgmental eye. This essay aims to point out and bring light to these issues within the prison system. Specifically, it focuses on how inmates are treated during and after serving their sentence, and solitary confinement. To better understand and explain the problems to you, extensive research was done. Articles were read, organizations were researched, and a documentary was watched to gather the information needed to write this essay. The results showed …