Digital Commons Network^™

A Perfect Storm: Exploring The Impact Of The 2020 Sociopolitical Climate And Covid-19 On Police Attrition, Cullen Marshall Duncan

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The spring and summer of 2020 created new challenges, related to strain, for the law enforcement profession. These challenges were precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the “defund the police movement.” The purpose of this study was three-fold: 1) to understand if the events of 2020 were responsible for increased police turnover, 2) to analyze retiree data pre- and post-spring of 2020, and 3) explore ways in which strain and turnover can be mitigated following critical events. The research design utilized in this study was a mixed method design. Bayesian modeling revealed support for the null hypotheses pertaining to the …

Residential Vacancy And Crime In The Wake Of Housing Crisis In Chicago, Shaun Bhatia

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Trends of subprime and predatory mortgage lending were largely responsible for the housing crisis in the late 2000s. These circumstances resulted in a high concentration of home foreclosures, and subsequent vacant and abandoned housing, particularly affecting disadvantaged neighborhoods. There is evidence to suggest that neighborhood spaces characterized by blighted properties and other signs of physical disorder reduce collective efficacy and informal social control, leading to increases in crime. Despite US government efforts to support economic recovery following the housing crisis, interventions were largely not concentrated enough to match spatial patterns of foreclosure and vacancy, and as such, reductions of crime …

Decriminalizing Drugs: A Comparative Study Of Oregon In An International Context, Fox Millsaps

University Honors Theses

Oregon made history in 2020 when voters joined together to approve ballot measure 110, the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act, which decriminalized personal amounts of all illicit substances. This was done in a bid to begin treating the ongoing drug crisis as a public health issue as opposed to a criminal justice issue. While Oregon may be the first in the nation to make such a move, they are not the first government to experiment with decriminalizing 'hard drugs.' Some argue that Oregon’s model was based on Portugal's decriminalization effort and point to Portugal's success as a potential outcome …

Prosecutorial Actus Reus: Appellate Review Of Prosecutorial Misconduct And The Diminishment Of Responsibility, Elizabeth Griffiths, Heather L. Scheuerman, Sandy Xie

International Journal on Responsibility

The socio-historical concept of criminal responsibility links the action (actus reus) and mental state (mens rea), or intention, of the actor (i.e., the defendant) to determine legal and moral liability for his or her behavior and to apportion punishment. When the actor responsible for immoral conduct is the prosecutor in pursuit of a conviction, the courts respond very differently. More specifically, because prosecutors are presumed to be moral and ethical system actors, assumptions about their good character likely influence the ways in which they are held to account. This study explores the content and arguments made …

Examining Remorse In Attributions Of Focal Concerns During Sentencing: A Study Of Probation Officers, Colleen M. Berryessa

International Journal on Responsibility

This research, using interviews with probation officers in the United States (n = 151) and a constant comparative method for analysis, draws from the focal concerns framework to qualitatively model a process by which probation officers use a defendant’s remorse to attribute focal concerns in order to guide their sentencing recommendations in pre-sentencing reports. The model suggests that officers use expressions of remorse to make attributions about mitigated criminal intention (blameworthiness and notions of responsibility), reduced dangerousness and a high potential for reform (community protection), and organization-level effects for increasing caseload efficiency and using correctional resources (practical effects of …

Digitalizing The Grassroots. Transforming Internet Access In Africa And Globally Bottom-Up, Lee W, Mcknight, William Lehr, Danielle Smith, Jane Appiah-Okyere, Kwaku Antwi

The Lender Center for Social Justice

This paper discusses bottom-up approaches to internet access in Africa, emphasizing grassroots-led digitalization strategies. It argues for community-centered, inclusive models as alternatives to top-down infrastructure deployment.

Three Essays On Civil Disturbances, Crime, And Housing Markets, Noel Ritchey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

In these three essays, I examine the relationship between housing prices and civil disturbances. In the first essay, I examine the Ferguson Unrest in 2014 following the killing of Michael Brown. Using a hedonic model and a repeat sales model using data from ZTRAX, I find a highly significant negative affect around the events temporally and spatially. In the second essay I examine house price indices across the US during the onset of COVID and during the protests following the killing of George Floyd. I use the Zillow Home Value Index and I find cities which experienced protests experienced less …

Socio-Economic Determinants Of Gender-Based Violence [Gbv]: Sdg Analytics On The Global Gbv Scenario With Special Reference To Technology Facilitated Gender-Based Violence And Adolescent Birth Rates, Chandra P. Daniel

NYMC Student Theses and Dissertations

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a multifaceted problem. The most rapidly increasing modern form of violence is the intertwined epidemic of ‘Technology Facilitated GBV’ [TF GBV] and sexual violence against women and girls. It was critical to investigate the global impact of this epidemic during COVID-19 since a disproportionate impact of violence was observed among women and girls in low and middle-income countries. A retrospective cross-sectional research design was adopted using linear regression analysis (univariate and multivariate) on SDG 5.2, a set of global indicators, to elicit the socioeconomic determinants of GBV. Phase-I results exposed the top-four socio-economic determinants …

An Exploration Of Policies, Equity, And Emerging Threats To The Traffic Safety Environment In The U.S., Sachi Verma

Theses & Dissertations

Road traffic crashes are among one of the leading causes of death around the globe. Additionally, it also causes long-term physical disabilities, mental trauma, and financial pressure. By implementing road safety guidelines such as speed limits, drug and alcohol checkpoints, restraints, and penalties, motor vehicle crashes can be reduced. Road traffic crash survival primarily depends on emergency medical service's timely triaging. Rapid triaging and reduced response times can help road traffic crash morbidities and mortalities. However, several factors can be responsible for EMS delays in responding to a fatal crash. This dissertation aims to observe multiple factors related to EMS …

Resilience Through Urban Green Spaces: Collaborations And Collective Action Toward Equitable Access And Creation Of Green Space In Albany, New York, Frederick Bentley

Capstone Collection

The crisis of climate change-driven disaster and instability is affecting humans all over the world, especially vulnerable populations in urban settings. This crisis exacerbates social inequalities in cities that exist from a legacy of discriminatory policies. This research centers local perspectives and policies on access and utilization of green spaces as a vital social and green infrastructure within the city of Albany, NY. Building off literature establishing green space as a means to build climate resilience and foster community wellbeing, this paper uses a socio-ecological lens to explore efforts being made by government and community organizations to foster equity, social …

The Current - Volume 34 Orientation And Sports Edition, Nova Southeastern University

Student Newspapers

No abstract provided.

Analisis Faktor-Faktor Yang Berhubungan Terhadap Keselamatan Di Tempat Kerja Pada Pt. X Semasa Pandemi Covid-19, Muhammad Faqih Hartono, Fatma Lestari

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

PT X Unit Citeureup is the largest cement manufacturing industrial plant in the world. The industrial processes in PT X Unit Citeureup involve a variety of processes, materials, and hazardous works. Thus, the work process in it causes a lot of occupational safety and health risks. In addition, at this time PT X Unit Citeureup is also facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic just like other industries. This situation can have a negative impact on both employees and management of PT X Unit Citeureup. Based on this situation, the establishment of safety in the workplace is something that must …

Lanthorn, Vol. 58, No. 01, August 7, 2023, Grand Valley State University

Volume 58, August 7, 2023 - April 15, 2024

Lanthorn is Grand Valley State's student newspaper, published from 1968 to the present.

A Consensus Panel Approach To Estimating The Start-Up And Annual Service Costs For Rural Ambulance Agencies, Yvonne Jonk Phd, Gary Wingrove Facpe, Cp-C, Nikiah Nudell Ms, Mphil, Nrp, Facpe, Kevin Mcginnis Mps

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

This brief serves to fill the information void on the costs of running ambulance services for three population-based service tiers and establishes a minimum access standard for ambulances servicing a 25-minute travel time radius from the ambulance station. The model enables policymakers and community stakeholders to develop strategic plans for the financing and provision of ambulance services. Key Highlights: An expert panel established that ambulances could reasonably serve a maximum 25-minute travel time from the ambulance station that accounts for road conditions. A minimum access standard was defined as a single resource consisting of one full-time staffed ambulance, with a …

Smart Cities-A Structured Literature Review, Jose Sanchez Gracias, Gregory S. Parnell, Eric Specking, Edward A. Pohl, Randy Buchanan

Industrial Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Smart cities are rapidly evolving concept-transforming urban developments in the 21st century. Smart cities use advanced technologies and data analytics to improve the quality of life for their citizens, increase the efficiency of infrastructure and services, and promote sustainable economic growth. Smart cities integrate multiple domains, including transportation, energy, health, education, and governance, to create an interconnected and intelligent urban environment. Our research study methodology was a structured literature review using Web of Science and Google Scholar and ten smart city research questions. The research questions included smart city definitions, advantages, disadvantages, implementation challenges, funding, types of applications, quantitative techniques …

Reentry Services In Non-Urban Counties In Texas: A Directed Content Analysis Of Reentry Provider Websites, Monica Canizares

Social Work Theses - Archive

Health, social, and justice outcomes for returning residents after incarceration are concerning, with implications for service providers, especially in non-urban areas. Texas has made efforts to reduce its incarcerated population, but more attention is necessary to improve outcomes for returning residents. The state is only able to offer services to a small number of returning residents, and non-profit organizations are filling the gap of reentry service provision. This study aimed to understand what services are being offered by non-governmental reentry providers in non-urban areas of Texas through a mixed-methods, directed content analysis of reentry providers' websites. The results summarize features …

Utahns Are Becoming More Likely To Say Human-Caused Climate Change Is Happening, Jessica D. Ulrich-Schad, Jennifer E. Givens, Peter D. Howe, Cole Lancaster

Utah People and Environment Poll (UPEP)

Scientists who study the earth’s climate overwhelmingly agree that human activities are causing rapid change¹ . Most Americans also agree that global warming is happening (74%) and caused by humans (61%)² . However, the same research finds that about one in eight (12%) of Americans do not think global warming is happening. This indicates that despite scientific consensus, some Americans remain skeptical about whether climate change is real and if humans are the cause.

Committee Prosecution: Using Expert Opinion To Make Criminal Justice Descisions More Impactful, Ellison Berryhill

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform Caveat

Those uninitiated to the reality of the United States’ criminal justice framework may believe that judges are the most powerful actors in the system. These casual observers watch crime shows filled with trials where judges make rulings and yell at people who are out of line. Viewers may believe in the adversarial system as a war between zealous prosecutors seeking justice and defense attorneys fighting for their client’s innocence. They may think of judges as neutral arbiter who makes the ultimate decisions. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

Alternatively, casual observers may think that the jury is the most powerful …

Volunteer Fire Departments Confront A Challenge: Socializing For Trust While Diversifying For Survival, Alison Hart Romain

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This qualitative study that analyzed data from interviews, observations, texts, and artifacts sought to answer the following questions: What qualities and characteristics are most valued in HROs such as fire departments? How are bonding, trust, and cohesion observably accomplished in high reliability organizations (HROs) such as fire departments? How do informal communicative practices unique to fire departments participate in this accomplishment at interpersonal and organizational levels? How do these informal communicative practices contribute to fostering diversity or perpetuating exclusion? The results of the study were that fitting in socially was a key determinant of successful assimilation. Additionally, as HROs, fire …

Youthful Offenders Sentencing Trends In Pennsylvania, Monika Nwajei

All Theses

The overwhelming majority of existing literature on the effects of age on judicial sentence decision-making focuses on juveniles (ages 18 and below) and older adults. This paper focuses on offenders between the ages of 18-29, who fall legally outside the definition of juvenile, yet do not have the full brain development or clinical maturity of an adult to provide knowledge of sentencing outcomes for different populations and a well-rounded review and critique of judicial sentence decision-making (Johnson, Blum, & Giedd, 2009). Using a series of logistic regression analyses on the Pennsylvania Commission Sentencing (PCS) data from 2001 to 2018, I …

Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Adolescent Girls In Residential Treatment: Relationship With Trauma Symptoms, Substance Use, And Delinquency, Akemi E. Mii

Department of Psychology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refer to negative events during childhood or adolescence including abuse, maltreatment, and exposure to household dysfunction (Kalmakis & Chandler, 2014). ACEs are associated with negative outcomes including mental and behavioral health concerns and offending (Fox et al., 2015). The risk of negative outcomes associated with ACEs increases when an individual experiences polyvictimization (experiencing multiple types of adverse events; Felitti et al., 1998; Finkelhor et al., 2011). A majority of adolescents served by residential treatment programs (RTPs) have experienced polyvictimization (Briggs et al., 2013). Research examining juvenile offending and youth delinquency has focused on boys. Thus, research …

The Cost Of Public Mistrust: The Indirect Impact Of Mass Shootings On Home Values, Austin Dey

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines how mass shootings indirectly impact residential home values across the United States. I hand-collected data on internet search interests around 15 mass shooting events from 2012 to 2019 to measure public concern over mass shootings. Using an event study, I estimate the causal effects of shootings on home values in outlying areas over three years. The results indicate a significant negative relationship between mass shootings and home values two years after an event. This thesis demonstrates that the consequences of mass shootings are not confined to affected areas but have lasting nationwide impacts that reduce economic outcomes …

¿Dónde Vamos?: Exploring Neoliberal Gentrification Within An Oak Cliff Barrio, Luis E. Macias Barrientos

Theses and Dissertations

Barrio working-class Latinx populations have been historically ignored and prevented from creating sustainable roots within their own communities due to the confluence of settler colonialism, neoliberalism, and gentrification. I argue the neoliberal city creates an unsustainable predicament that seeks to marginalize working-class individuals from inner-city life, thus systematically precluding future generations of working-class Latinxs from upward mobility. Little attention has been paid to Texas cities resulting from neoliberal policies perpetuating settler colonialism and gentrification. This thesis draws from theories of neoliberalism and the neoliberal city to explore the effects of gentrification on barrio Latinx geographies. To explore the relationship between …

The Effect Of Sleep Deprivation On The Ability To Reappraise Negative Situations, Rebecca Campbell

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Sleep and emotion regulation are important components of mental health and may function interdependently in the development and maintenance of mental health disorders. Unfortunately, there is limited experimental work on the impacts of sleep deprivation on reappraisal, a common emotion regulation strategy, in adults. Furthermore, increases in negative and decreases in positive affect are often associated with sleep loss. This study aimed to examine the relation between sleep deprivation and emotion regulation by asking adults to reappraise a series of vignettes before and after a randomly assigned night of sleep deprivation or normal sleep. Additionally, measures of self-reported emotion regulation …

Offender Reintegration In Nevada: A Longitudinal Study Focusing On Transitional Challenges, Reentry Capital, And Recidivism, Carolyn S. Willis

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Offender reintegration (reentry) depends on offender motivation, public policies, community efforts, and resources provided through government and nonprofit sectors. As individuals are released from incarceration and reintegrate into the community, they are often dependent on resources provided by different service providers and the community. The role of the community is crucial as resources are oftentimes not accessible. Lack of employment and housing, mental health issues, substance abuse, and the inability to reestablish personal relationships diminish the prospects of successful reintegration and increase the chances of reincarceration. Reentry capital delivered through community-based programs addresses the transitional issues justice-impacted individuals encounter post-incarceration. …

Fiber-Based Seismic Damage And Collapse Assessment Of Reinforced Concrete Single-Column Pier-Supported Bridges Using Damage Indices, Yu-Fu Ko, Jessica Gonzalez

Mineta Transportation Institute

Near-fault earthquakes can have major effects on transportation systems due to the structural damage they impose on bridges. Therefore, it is imperative to assess the seismic damage of bridges appropriately, and this research focuses on reinforced concrete (RC) bridges. This research advances the seismic performance assessment of RC single-column pier-supported bridges with flexural failure under near-fault ground motion by use of ductility coefficients and damage indices. The methodology included modeling fiber-based nonlinear beam-column elements to simulate the damage development process of RC bridge piers under earthquake loadings, considering the global buckling of longitudinal steel bars, examining the cracking and spalling …

Community Space Planning And Design Guide For Enhanced Wildfire Resilience In Heber, Utah, Devin Macfarlane

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The wildland urban interface (WUI) is the fastest growing land type in the conterminous United States. These areas are prone to catastrophic wildfire events. In response to rapid population growth, Heber City, Utah is planning a significant amount of development within the WUI. This thesis project is aimed at proactively addressing wildfire risk in the WUI of Heber through two main strategies: regional geospatial planning and public space design to create wildfire resilient communities. Researching principles of wildfire adaptive practice and planning for defensible space led to the development of a list of criteria. This list was developed in the …

The Lived Experiences Of 911 Dispatchers With Compassion Fatigue: An Interpretive Phenomenology, Angela Johnson

Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

911 dispatchers are the “first” first responders in an emergency and play an intrinsic role in the public safety continuum. 911 dispatchers are exposed to daily and cumulative stress from the repeated empathic engagement of those they serve, and from shift work, staffing shortages, and inability to make mistakes. However, there is a dearth of peer reviewed literature on 911 dispatchers and compassion fatigue (CF). CF is described as the emotional and physical exhaustion experienced due to the constant exposure to the trauma of others. CF symptomology in 911 dispatchers has far reaching implications for not only the citizens …

A Transcendental Phenomenological Study Of The Lived Experiences Of Law Enforcement Officers Challenges In Combatting Human Trafficking In Alabama, Patience S. Johnson-Daniels

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

Human trafficking (HT) is a heinous crime that has gained international attention. Millions of people (specifically young girls and women) are affected by prostitution and sexual exploitation, the most common forms of human trafficking. Currently, anti-trafficking law enforcement agencies are struggling to respond to human trafficking due to the lack of data, the hidden nature of the crime, the current service providers, and the strategies of human trafficking task forces. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study will be to understand better the challenges of law enforcement officers and the impact of law enforcement officers in combatting human trafficking. The …

The Utilization Of Employee Assistance Programs In Law Enforcement: Breaking The Stigma, Kristi Lynn Shalton

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this grounded theory study is to not only describe and understand what current resources exist for officers after experiencing a critical incident during the course of their job duties and responsibilities, but to also develop an understanding of their unique needs and how the stigma that often coincides with the desire to ask for assistance from such resources, affects officer mental health and wellness and ultimately, their ability to effectively and efficiently do their job. The theory guiding this study is grounded theory, a methodology first used in the 1960s by Glaser and Strauss, which incorporates interactionism …