Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

College for Professional Studies

Articles 1 - 30 of 46

Full-Text Articles in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Excited Delirium Syndrome And Conducted Electrical Weapons, Adam A. Nielsen Dec 2014

Excited Delirium Syndrome And Conducted Electrical Weapons, Adam A. Nielsen

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Excited delirium syndrome (ExDS) is defined as delirium coupled with extreme agitation (Vilke et al., 2012). ExDS is a bona fide medical condition that requires immediate medical attention, as 8% of patients will die from it. Some research only classifies ExDS as "true ExDS" if the subject dies; most research does not and this research does not wish to exclude the 92% of ExDS cases where the subject does not die. ExDS is well known because it oftentimes comes into play during and after a violent encounter with law enforcement. Because over 7,000 U.S. law enforcement agencies use TASER© brand …


The Day Of The Cyber Wolf, Ryan K. Buch Dec 2014

The Day Of The Cyber Wolf, Ryan K. Buch

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Terrorism has become a concern for public safety and security and can take on many appearances. However, in recent years the dilemma that presents the most substantial endangerment to public security comes from the threat of leaderless terrorists, also known as "lone wolves." Due to the rapid advancement in technology over the past few decades, societies, specifically the United States, have become dependent upon it economically and socially. Terrorist organizations, as well as the lone wolf terrorist, understand that their enemies rely on technology in order to function and have recently redirected their efforts towards cyberspace. As a result, cyber-terrorism …


Private Police In The Public Safety Domain: Purpose And Practice, Carl Dwain Terry Dec 2014

Private Police In The Public Safety Domain: Purpose And Practice, Carl Dwain Terry

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Abstract: The study presents a qualitative exploration and description, through content analysis, of the shift to the combined (private and public) police forces approach in the pursuit of public peace and security. The aim of which is to reveal private police alternatives and viewpoints to maintaining peace and security not yet practiced by unapprised jurisdictions. The effort contextualizes the topic in a framework which explores and attempts to resolve the issue of the veracity of the shift by examining the current state and conditions prompting the shift and future trends relative to its continuance. Formations of private police operations in …


A Crime Hidden In Plain Sight: A Review Of Programs That Address Human Trafficking In Colorado, Janecke Hausken Sep 2014

A Crime Hidden In Plain Sight: A Review Of Programs That Address Human Trafficking In Colorado, Janecke Hausken

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The focus of this project is looking at current programs in the Denver area that work in some capacity to combat human trafficking. Research suggests that Denver is a huge drop off point for victims due to a major international airport and two major cross-country highways intersecting in the middle of downtown Denver. While the project does not provide any conclusive evidence, the numbers presented do show that perhaps there is a correlation between the establishment of these programs and an increase in arrest rates for certain charges. While one program focuses more on services and aiding the victims of …


The World Of Sex Trafficking, Angienieka S. West-Wek Aug 2014

The World Of Sex Trafficking, Angienieka S. West-Wek

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

There is a concern that people think that human trafficking only takes place outside of the United States. However, this crime happens right in the United States. Some people may be unaware of what human trafficking really is and all the other crimes that are generally associated with human trafficking. There also may be victims that want to seek help but really do not know :from whom to seek help from. Everyone needs to be able to identify a victim that may be involved in human trafficking. The victim may not be willing to step forward at that time but …


An Evaluation Of Sexually Aggressive Behavior In Serial-Sexual Homicide, Lauren Aunkst Jul 2014

An Evaluation Of Sexually Aggressive Behavior In Serial-Sexual Homicide, Lauren Aunkst

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Serial killers are a cultural phenomenon. Their grisly crimes have marred magazines, news, books and even films. While the social scientific community is slowly coming to understand these individuals, much remains unknown about them. A common theme in the majority of serial killings is a very strong sexual component. This study analyzed data to develop a scale in which to measure the amount of sexual aggression used by serial killers in three different populations. These populations included male serial killers, male/male serial killer dyads and male/female serial killer dyads. Due to time constraints this study was performed as an unobtrusive …


Cyber Bullying Evolved: Bullying In The Military Workcenter, Dayna M. Friend Feb 2014

Cyber Bullying Evolved: Bullying In The Military Workcenter, Dayna M. Friend

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The purpose of this project was to inform readers about the progression of cyber bullying into the military work center. This research has been compiled to aid the thesis topic for the capstone project in the Regis University Criminology program. The proposal relates the involvement of adults (any person over the age of 18) in the epidemic that is cyber bullying. A comprehensive literature review analysis was created on the current research available on cyber bullying in adolescents and the issues that exist within it. It was found that the majority of the research is still in the understanding of …


Classified Information: A Review Of Implemented Offender Classification Models In Colorado, Andrielle Holmes Aug 2013

Classified Information: A Review Of Implemented Offender Classification Models In Colorado, Andrielle Holmes

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The focus of this project centers around the large amount of material in regards to objective offender classification models. Research suggests that objective classification models are the most effective means of evaluating the risk and needs of inmates while in custody. Since it is the responsibility of all correctional facilities to keep their inmate population and staff safe, implementing a successful classification tool is crucial. Documentation reviewed for this project suggests most correction facilities across the United States have implemented objective systems into their classification policies and procedures. This project attempted to evaluate classification models implemented in the county jail's …


Hot-Spot Policing And The Use Of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, Heather L. Merigan Aug 2013

Hot-Spot Policing And The Use Of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, Heather L. Merigan

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

An existing gap found in current literature is whether or not prevention-oriented methods have been implemented within crime hot-spots and if these methods have been implemented, it is unknown how effective have they been. The following paper is an evaluative study conducted to examine the use and effectiveness of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) methods when implemented by police departments within crime hot-spots. This was done by distributing an on-line survey to 56 Police Chiefs and researching the websites of 136 police departments located within ten counties of the western United States. The results indicated that the use of …


Dna Testing Is The Most Effective Procedure To Solve Crimes, Son Nguyen Aug 2013

Dna Testing Is The Most Effective Procedure To Solve Crimes, Son Nguyen

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

There are several different techniques to solve crimes. Fingerprinting has been used as an investigative tool to help law enforcement find suspects. By using the fingerprints obtained at a crime scene, investigators can try to find a match within the fingerprint database. Since fingerprints are truly unique, there are better technological advances that will aid law enforcements and forensic scientists confirm a suspect was at the crime scene. By using DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, technology, established in 1985 but was first used in 1987 in law enforcement, as the main investigative tool, several different crimes can be solve by analyzing the …


Exploring The Causes Of Islamic Radicalization And Recruitment And The General Strain Theory In Identified Terrorists, Julian A. Torres Aug 2013

Exploring The Causes Of Islamic Radicalization And Recruitment And The General Strain Theory In Identified Terrorists, Julian A. Torres

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Little research has been done exploring the relation between the General Strain Theory and Islamist radicalization and recruitment. This author will explore a possible relationship between collective social strain and its impact on one's decision to engage in radical Islamist extremism. This author based the research on the General Strain Theory which states that when individuals experience strain or pressure, under certain circumstances, that strain can lead to offending or delinquent behavior. Muslims living in the United States and abroad, regardless of generation or nationality, can find themselves subject to discrimination, poverty, inequality and other real or perceived injustices. This …


Examining Barriers To Reentry Faced By Offenders In A Metropolitan County Jail And Community Setting, Kelly J. Russell Aug 2013

Examining Barriers To Reentry Faced By Offenders In A Metropolitan County Jail And Community Setting, Kelly J. Russell

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This study uses a strain theory approach to examine the barriers to community reentry faced by individuals being released from county detention facilities. Individuals who are reentering the community from jail face a variety of challenges, particularly when trying to access community resources. In almost every community, barriers to offender reentry include, but are not limited to, housing, benefit acquisition, healthcare, access to medications, identification, transportation, mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment and employment. While there has certainly been an increase in the amount of programs and services available for former offenders, research analysis presented here will identify what these …


A Unique Approach Against Child Sex Offenders: Jefferson County "Cheezo" Unit The Model For Success?, Sonia R. Chavez Apr 2013

A Unique Approach Against Child Sex Offenders: Jefferson County "Cheezo" Unit The Model For Success?, Sonia R. Chavez

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Online crimes against children are a daunting problem facing law enforcement today. The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force reported 76,961 complaints in 2010-2011. The purpose of this study was to describe the unique approach of the Jefferson County Child Sex Offender Internet Investigations (CSOII, nicknamed "Cheezo") Unit, analyze the arrest data of Cheezo, and determine if Cheezo could be used as a best methods approach against this problem. A demographic study was conducted on the Cheezo arrest data, as well as comparison analysis of arrest totals, prosecution rates, and educational presentations provided to the community. Comparisons were conducted …


Teen Dating Violence: Adolescent Development And Its Role In The Success Of Prevention Programs, Lisa Dougherty Mar 2013

Teen Dating Violence: Adolescent Development And Its Role In The Success Of Prevention Programs, Lisa Dougherty

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This study was conducted to explore adolescent development and adolescent dating violence in order to determine if prevention programs need to be written to reflect the different stages of development. Research was gathered from four areas: adolescent development, adolescent romantic relationships, teen dating violence, and teen dating violence prevention programs. Using an inductive approach, a content analysis of the literature was used to answer the following questions: 1) After reviewing research on adolescent development and adolescent romantic relationships; are there stages in adolescent romantic relationships where conflict appears most often? 2) In the teen dating violence studies, what stage(s) of …


The Effects Of Illegal Migration From Mexico To The U.S., Eric Dent Mar 2013

The Effects Of Illegal Migration From Mexico To The U.S., Eric Dent

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The purpose of this author's thesis is to explore the arguments and data found on both sides of the debatable issue of illegal immigration in America. This author made use of the plethora of data surrounding this topic that has been generated from various secondary sources. The use of this secondary data allowed for a re-analysis of the original author's findings which aided in the formulation of new questions while providing a different interpretation from the original assessment. The purpose of re-analysis sought to provide readers with a more-in-depth view concerning the influx of undocumented aliens, Mexican nationals in particular, …


Corporal Punishment And Aggression In Adulthood: A Product Of Social Learning, Derek R. Schneider Dec 2012

Corporal Punishment And Aggression In Adulthood: A Product Of Social Learning, Derek R. Schneider

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The focus of my study will be on the relationship between child abuse and aggression in adulthood. Individuals who support corporal punishment are more likely to support using violence against other adults, as compared to those that do not support corporal punishment. In other words, adults that are likely to use violence to resolve conflict with children are more inclined to use violence to resolve conflicts with other adults. Bandura (1977) explained that human behavior is learned observationally through modeling. The idea of modeling involves observing others and beginning to form an idea of how new behaviors are performed; on …


Fetal Attraction: A Descriptive Study Of Patterns In Fetal Abductions, Kerry E. Arquette Dec 2012

Fetal Attraction: A Descriptive Study Of Patterns In Fetal Abductions, Kerry E. Arquette

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Fetal abduction is a crime in which a perpetrator forcibly takes an unborn baby from the womb of another woman. The act is always done without the permission of the pregnant woman, is always violent, and is often deadly for the mother or baby, or both. Based upon available data, the crime of fetal abduction is rare and relatively new, but publicized incidences in the United States of America are growing, which raises the question, "Why?" In order to answer that and other questions surrounding fetal abduction it is necessary to know more about the crime and the criminals. This …


The Use Of Familial Dna Searches: A Policy Analysis, Caroline O. Moorman Dec 2012

The Use Of Familial Dna Searches: A Policy Analysis, Caroline O. Moorman

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Many cases go unsolved every day in the United States; some due to a lack of technological advancement in forensic science. When a person is killed, raped, or in danger of physical harm, it is the responsibility of law enforcement and their collaborative agencies to find and apprehend the responsible parties. The use of familial DNA searches in the United States is a relatively new investigative technique. Traditionally, DNA samples found at a crime scene are run through a national Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) to look for possible matches. When a sample does not return a positive hit, investigators …


Jeffrey Dahmer: Psychopathy And Neglect, Tamara Higgs Nov 2012

Jeffrey Dahmer: Psychopathy And Neglect, Tamara Higgs

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

It is the intent of this paper to examine the relationship between Jeffrey Dahmer's Childhood neglect, his fascination with death, and its later influence on his adult psychopathic behavior. After defining the nature of serial killers and the impact of childhood abuse combined with a fascination with death, the focus of this case study will shift to the long term impact of the abuse and neglect suffered by American serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer. Using the social learning theory, the author will examine how this neglect and abuse tie into his later life as a sexual serial killer. Additionally, the theories …


Navajo Peacemaking And Māori Restorative Justice: A Comparison Of Process And Procedure, Alethia Z. Fenney Aug 2012

Navajo Peacemaking And Māori Restorative Justice: A Comparison Of Process And Procedure, Alethia Z. Fenney

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Due to the failure of some crime control approaches in law enforcement alternatives are being examined to determine their applicability in today's society. One of the approaches gaining criminological attention is "Navajo Peacemaking". another similar style of crime control is the Māori restorative justice process used in New Zealand. The purposed of this research study is to examine and compare these processes to determine their applicability as crime prevention tools in U.S. towns and cities. Walter Miller's Focal Concerns Theory was used to address the difference in motivation between mainstream culture and its subcultures. The results from this study demonstrated …


Cold Case Homicides: An Examination Of Clearance Factors, Matthew M. Lunn Aug 2012

Cold Case Homicides: An Examination Of Clearance Factors, Matthew M. Lunn

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The killing of one individual by another is something in our culture that garners a lot of attention from the media as well as community leaders. Law enforcement agencies have a duty to find resolution to these crimes. Yet, even with the rapid growth of forensics and the technology associated with it, there are still cases that go unsolved. These cases are commonly referred to as cold case homicides. In order to evaluate whether forensic evidence or investigative technique plays a larger role in the clearance of cold case homicides, a retrospective study was conducted to examine previously solved cold …


Effective Parole Supervisor Traits Observed By Texas Parole Officers, David H. Bolding Ii Aug 2012

Effective Parole Supervisor Traits Observed By Texas Parole Officers, David H. Bolding Ii

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This research study uses a quantitative method to identify the traits that Texas parole officers observe make an effective leader. This study adds to what seems to be a void in research on parole supervisors. Prior literature has identified that numerous individual traits and observable traits play an active role in effective leaders. This study uses "Survey Monkey" to employ the use of surveys across Texas, and to ensure confidentiality. By utilizing the method in this study, effective traits can be identified and used as a tool to increase present supervisory capabilities and allow others to have a guide on …


Community Reentry Programs And Their Effect On Recidivism:: A Study Of Life Skills Clients At The Denver County Jail, Valerie M. Gantzler Aug 2012

Community Reentry Programs And Their Effect On Recidivism:: A Study Of Life Skills Clients At The Denver County Jail, Valerie M. Gantzler

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Recidivism, or repeat offending, is prevalent among misdemeanants. Their sentences are usually short and become even shorter with mandates to keep county jails from overcrowding. These misdemeanants are then released from jail and go back to the same environments they were in before. Many of these people go on to commit the same or similar crimes and end up back in jail. Jails across the U. S. have begun implementing transitional programs in the hopes that providing repeat offenders with case management, counseling, and other services might enable them to break the habit of repeat offending and make better choices …


Juvenile Risk Factors Affecting Probability Of Rearrest And Treatment Options, Susan D. Kindred Aug 2012

Juvenile Risk Factors Affecting Probability Of Rearrest And Treatment Options, Susan D. Kindred

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Studies have been conducted gaining insight into the effectiveness of making arrests and what the effects are to juvenile offense rates especially for those living in lower socioeconomic statuses. Researchers have attempted to develop new theories in order to prevent re-offending, while also analyzing offender risk factors. While individuals continue to re-offend, questions arise if an individual's socioeconomic status, or individual risk factors effect whether or not an arrest will be made for the offense committed and how it will be treated to prevent future offending. This study analyzes case studies addressing the issues of juvenile offending as it relates …


Fear Of Crime' & Media Representation Of Crime In Denver, Ryan M. Martinez Aug 2012

Fear Of Crime' & Media Representation Of Crime In Denver, Ryan M. Martinez

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This research project looks at the 'fear of crime' as a concept that is valuable to law enforcement agencies, politicians, and the public. By examining past research, it can be concluded that 'fear of crime' is often studied through the use of victimization surveys despite methodology complications. 'Fear of crime' is studied quantitatively in this project in relation to media articles from The Denver Post from 2008-2010. By performing a longitudinal case study on these incidents, comparing past qualitative research on factors relating to 'fear of crime', and using content analysis of news articles, this study examined which factor if …


Leadership Traits: An Analysis Of Perceived Leadership Qualities In Law Enforcement And Work Production, Joshua T. Hotchkiss Aug 2012

Leadership Traits: An Analysis Of Perceived Leadership Qualities In Law Enforcement And Work Production, Joshua T. Hotchkiss

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Leadership is immensely important to most organizations, and its development is a recognized key to organizational success. Leadership, as a construct, has been researched in boundless depth and has been a focal point to establishing increased productivity and success. Law enforcement has placed a special interest in developing leadership as it relates to performance, productivity and succession planning. Although leadership development is a seminal part of law enforcement objectives, it is difficult to implement clear strategies for doing so. This study examines the gap in research as it pertains to leadership traits and work production by analyzing officers' perceptions of …


Examining Sociobiological Fitness Traits In Conjunction With The General Strain Theory In Convicted Rapists, Lorinda R. Hetterle Aug 2012

Examining Sociobiological Fitness Traits In Conjunction With The General Strain Theory In Convicted Rapists, Lorinda R. Hetterle

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

The purpose of this study is to determine if sociobiological theories are useful in studying deviant behavior. Due to sociobiology being a field that has only recently been developed, there is little research regarding the overlap between criminology and sociobiology. Using forcible rape as the conduit of research, this study examined if and how sociobiology stressors contributed to the General Strain Theory. Specifically, this research answered the question, "Were sociobiological fitness stressors present in convicted rapists prior to the offense(s)?" Using secondary source data, a content analysis was performed on five separate case studies to qualitatively assess what, if any, …


Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design And Crime Rates In Apartment Settings, Robyn M. Radosevich Aug 2012

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design And Crime Rates In Apartment Settings, Robyn M. Radosevich

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This comparative study has employed qualitative and quantitative methods to examine the implications of the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) theory. Due to significant inconsistencies in prior research, the effectiveness of CPTED in reducing crime rates was examined. Research analysis has examined the elements of CPTED present at three sample apartment complexes located in a large western city and determined if the apartment settings with physical elements consistent with CPTED experienced lower crime rates. Observational qualitative data and quantitative crime rates were applied in a comparative analysis.


Perceptions Of Community-Based Advocates In Jefferson County, Colorado Concerning Intimate Partner Violence Against Women, Amanda A. Lathrop May 2012

Perceptions Of Community-Based Advocates In Jefferson County, Colorado Concerning Intimate Partner Violence Against Women, Amanda A. Lathrop

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This qualitative study explored perceptions of community-based advocates in Jefferson County, Colorado and their experience assisting victims of intimate partner violence against women. Open-ended interview questionnaires were collected from community-based advocates and used to derive the perceptions community-based advocates hold with regard to access to community resources, ability to establish social support, improve quality of life, and ultimately reduce re-abuse. Results of these perceptions were combined with and compared to previous secondary research by Deborah Bybee and Cris Sullivan. This research of victims' perceived effectiveness combined with data collected from advocates' perceived effectiveness allowed for further insight into intimate partner …


Impact Of Parental Separation Preceded By Parental Conflict On The Propensity For Youth Criminality, Casimir Bannis Apr 2012

Impact Of Parental Separation Preceded By Parental Conflict On The Propensity For Youth Criminality, Casimir Bannis

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Parental separation preceded by parental conflict increased the propensity for youth criminality as the pre-separation conflict engenders an environment which hampers effective paternal and maternal care for children are carried over into post-separation life. The social development theory was used to explain the significance of socialization and the extent and quality of children's relationships with their external environment as factors important to their participation in anti-social behaviors, noting that, an overlapping of pro and anti-social paths are the constructors of children's socialization capabilities. The secondary data collected on this research topic, concluded that a family environment marred by issues consequential …