Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons^™

Predictors Of Officer Self-Confidence In Police Interactions With Disabled Individuals In Florida, Olga Vega

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

There has been limited research conducted on disability-related training for law enforcement officers. Past researchers have either prioritized training specific to mental illness or evaluated curriculum content rather than training effectiveness. The present research focuses on predictors of officers’ self-reported confidence in their ability to handle interactions with disabled individuals. The study took place in Florida and included 204 police officers. The study’s findings showed that, despite a common belief of minimum disability training provided to police officers (Reaves, 2016), more than 35% (n = 71) of the officers surveyed reported receiving some disability training during the police academy …

The Problem With Assumptions: Revisiting The Dark Figure Of Sexual Recidivism, Tamara Rice Lave, Jj Prescott, Grady Bridges

Law & Economics Working Papers

What is the actual rate of sexual recidivism given the well-known fact that many crimes go unreported? This is a difficult and important problem, and in The Dark Figure of Sexual Recidivism, Nicholas Scurich and Richard S. John (2019) attempt to make progress on it by “estimate[ing] actual recidivism rates given observed rates of reoffending” (p.172). In this article, we show that the math in their probabilistic model is flawed, but more important, we demonstrate that their conclusions follow ineluctably from their empirical assumptions and the unrepresentative empirical research they cite to benchmark their calculations. Scurich and John contend that …

Criminal Justice Update - June 2021, Patrick Mahoney

Criminal Justice Updates

The Criminal Justice Update is a monthly newsletter created by the Adams County Bar Foundation Fellow providing updates in criminal justice policy coming from Pennsylvania's courts and legislature as well as the US Supreme Court.

Contents:

• Updates from PA Governor's Office (no updates this month)
• Updates from the PA Legislature
• Updates from the Courts
• U.S. Supreme Court: Criminal Law & Procedure
• PA Supreme Court: Criminal Law & Procedure
• PA Superior Court: Criminal Law & Procedure

Testing The Waters: An Investigation Of The Impact Of Hot Tubbing On Experts From Referral Through Testimony, Jennifer T. Perillo, Anthony D. Perillo, Nikoleta Despodova, Margaret Bull Kovera

Publications and Research

Objective: The present research examined whether concurrent expert testimony (“hot tubbing”) and court appointed testimony reduced adversarial allegiance in clinical experts’ judgments compared with traditional adversarial expert testimony. Hypotheses: We predicted Hypothesis 1: Defense experts would render more not responsible judgments and lower ratings of criminal responsibility than would prosecution experts; Hypothesis 2: Adversarial allegiance effects on experts’ judgments would be heightened for adversarial experts and attenuated for concurrent experts over time; Hypothesis 3: Adversarial and concurrent experts would report higher dissonance than would court-appointed experts and adversarial experts’ ratings would increase over time, concurrent experts’ ratings would decrease, and …

Further Evaluation Of The Associations Between Psychopathic Traits And Symptoms Of Ptsd And Depression In A Nonclinical Sample, Nicholas Kavish, Danielle Boisvert, Eric M. Cooke, Richard H. Lewis, Matthias Woeckener, Jessica Wells, Todd A. Armstrong

Criminal Justice Faculty Publications and Presentations

Examining psychopathic traits at the factor or facet level has revealed that various aspects of psychopathy may be differentially related, even in opposing directions, to important outcomes (e.g., intelligence, emotion regulation). Empirical work on relations between psychopathy and internalizing disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, has provided evidence for a positive association with antisocial traits. However, findings for the affective domain have been more equivocal. The current study (N = 732) sought to replicate past findings of the positive association of antisocial psychopathic traits with higher levels of PTSD and depressive symptoms, and to further explore …

To “Defund” The Police, Jessica M. Eaglin

Articles by Maurer Faculty

Much public debate circles around grassroots activists’ demand to “defund the police,” raised in public consciousness in the summer of 2020. Yet confusion about the demand is pervasive. This Essay adopts a literal interpretation of “defund” to clarify and distinguish four alternative, substantive policy positions that legal reforms related to police funding can validate. It argues that the policy debates between these positions exist on top of the ideological critique launched by grassroots activists, who use the term “defund the police” as a discursive tactic to make visible deeper transformations in government practices that normalize the structural marginalization of black …

Strategic Innovations In Cannabis Legalization Policy: Lessons From Early Adopters, Neil Boyd, Eric L. Sevigny

CJC Publications

No abstract provided.

First Amendment Knowledge And Competence In United States Residents, Cynthia J. Najdowski, Kimberly M. Bernstein

Psychology Faculty Scholarship

Lacking adequate knowledge about one's rights could inhibit the likelihood of exercising one's rights or lead one to unwittingly violate laws that place legitimate limits on these rights. Thus, the present research examines First Amendment knowledge as well as competence to apply this knowledge in relevant circumstances. Results revealed that one-quarter of participants failed a test of objective knowledge on First Amendment rights. Furthermore, participants' belief in their ability varied depending on their level of knowledge, in line with the Dunning–Kruger effect. Participants also failed to transfer their limited objective knowledge to “real-world” situations, exhibiting impaired First Amendment competence. These …

Police Homicide: Race And Ethnicity, Christine Henderson, Aimee Quinn, Charles E. Reasons, Veronica Salas, John Vinson, Brittney Warf

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of the Sciences

During the pandemic, routines were interrupted lives were changed and during this time, many individuals spent more time watching the news to learn more about how long it would take to resume normalcy. When George Floyd was murdered by four police officers, time stood still and the world watched. Outrage was immediate. The pandemic offered everyone the opportunity to witness tragedy unfold in front of them a brutality which happens every day, yet is easily ignored. This article examines the incidence of police homicides of people of color, the lack of law enforcement to seek solutions to their own internal …

Criminal Justice Update - May 2021, Haley B. Shultz

Criminal Justice Updates

The Criminal Justice Update is a monthly newsletter created by the Adams County Bar Foundation Fellow providing updates in criminal justice policy coming from Pennsylvania's courts and legislature as well as the US Supreme Court.

Contents:

• Updates from PA Governor's Office (no updates this month)
• Updates from the PA Legislature
• Updates from the Courts
• U.S. Supreme Court: Criminal Law & Procedure
• PA Supreme Court: Criminal Law & Procedure
• PA Superior Court: Criminal Law & Procedure

Covid-19 Student Mental Health Check Ii, Dianna Blankenship, Irma S. Jones

Criminal Justice Faculty Publications and Presentations

The year 2020 will forever be known as the year of the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected the entire population in one way or another. What began in January 2020 still has the world population firmly in its grip a year later. The students’ responses, in their own words, to changes in living, daily `routines, and health fears can be seen in the following paper. In this article, the responses of students in several undergraduate classes at a Hispanic serving institution in south Texas were collected and synthesized. The 155 responses were divided into seven frequently observed and repeated themes: …

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 …

We Can Move Mountains: Engaging In State-Level Policy Work, Lisa M. Growette Bostaph, Melissa Wintrow

Criminal Justice Faculty Publications and Presentations

An increasing number of academic researchers are becoming involved in state-level policy work as a result of existing local partnerships or direct requests by agency directors or elected officials. Most faculty and policymakers do not receive any training in doing such collaborative work and, for each party in the partnership, it can often seem like landing on another planet or, at the very least, visiting a foreign country, with different jargon, players, and stakes. This essay provides a brief guide to navigating the world of state-level partnerships in policymaking.

Media Framing, Moral Panic And Covid-19: A Comparative Analysis Of China, South Korea, And The Us., Deena Devore, Sinyong Choi, Yudu Li, Hong Lu

Criminal Justice Faculty Publications and Presentations

COVID-19 is perhaps the single most impactful event defining 2020 globally. Drawing on theory on media typology involving freedom and responsibility, media framing and moral panic theories, this paper examines media coverage on COVID-19 in three countries, China, South Korea and the United States. Data were obtained from six news outlets, Xinhua News, South China Morning Post, Chosun, Hankyoreh, CNN and Breitbart, two from each of the three countries. More than 1,000 COVID-19 related reports, spanning six days (the last day of January to June, 2020) were selected and coded based on common priming themes such as tone, the othering, …

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 & …

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

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 …

Front End Justice: Diverting People Affected By Mental Illness From The Criminal Justice System, Ariel Esqueda, Kelliann Kutschke, Matthew Miller, Kayleigh Wendland

Master of Social Work Student Policy Advocacy Briefs

Many of the people caught up in the criminal justice system are non-violent offenders struggling with mental illness, which cannot and should not be addressed through incarceration. Our jails and prisons are ill-equipped to provide effective mental health services. Incarceration compounds the problem by contributing to increased psychological distress. We are relying on the criminal justice system to respond to mental illness, rather than investing fully in the spectrum of mental health care from prevention to recovery. Minnesota must invest in diverting people affected by mental illness away from the criminal justice system and into community-based treatment, services, and supports …

Criminal Justice Update - April 2021, Haley B. Shultz

Criminal Justice Updates

The Criminal Justice Update is a monthly newsletter created by the Adams County Bar Foundation Fellow providing updates in criminal justice policy coming from Pennsylvania's courts and legislature as well as the US Supreme Court.

Contents

• Updates from PA Governor's Office (no updates this month)
• Updates from the PA Legislature
• Updates from the Courts
• U.S. Supreme Court: Criminal Law & Procedure
• PA Supreme Court: Criminal Law & Procedure
• PA Superior Court: Criminal Law & Procedure

To What Extent Is The Death Penalty A Tool Of Racial Terror In America, And How Can We Fix It?, Gabrielle Boileau

Honors Projects

In this project, I seek to answer the question: To what extent is the death penalty a tool of racial terror in America, and how can we fix it? America has long been plagued by the legacy of slavery and white supremacy. In the reconstruction era, when slavery was no longer legal, angry white citizens would simply round up African-Americans and lynch them if they felt they had done something “wrong”. However, in the modern era, such blatant displays of racism are illegal, and the racist views of society are subverted into the court system. Black men are disproportionately arrested …

Racial Sympathy And Support For Capital Punishment: A Case Study In Concept Transfer, Kellie R. Hannan, Francis T. Cullen, Leah C. Butler, Amanda K. Graham, Alexander L. Burton, Velmer S. Burton Jr.

Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology Faculty Publications

Beliefs about race, especially racial resentment, are key predictors of public support for capital punishment and punitiveness generally. Drawing on a conceptual innovation by political scientist Jennifer Chudy, we explore the utility of transferring into criminology her construct of racial sympathy – or Whites’ concern about Blacks’ suffering. First, across three data sets, we replicate Chudy’s finding that racial sympathy and resentment are empirically distinct constructs. Second, based on a national-level 2019 YouGov survey (n = 760 White respondents) and consistent with Chudy’s thesis, racial sympathy is then shown to be significantly related to the race-specific view that capital punishment …