Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons^™

W.E.B. Dubois, The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study, Howard Henderson

Qualitative Criminology (QC)

"Criminology’s Forgotten Genesis?

Crime is a phenomenon of organized social life, and is the open rebellion of an individual against his social environment. Naturally then, if men are suddenly transported from one environment to another, the result is lack of harmony with the new conditions; lack of harmony with the new physical surroundings leading to disease and death or modification of physique; lack of harmony with social surroundings leading to crime. (DuBois, p. 235) "

Saundra D. Westervelt & Kimberly J. Cook, Life After Death Row: Exonerees’ Search For Community And Identity, Jeanne Subjack

Qualitative Criminology (QC)

"Life After Death Row examines how individuals wrongly sentenced to death adjust to life after their release. The idea for the book arose in 2009, after Westervelt and Cook attended a conference and learned about the different aspects related to wrongful convictions that had yet to be addressed in academia. To gain a more thorough understanding of the events the participants experienced, the authors used life history and feminist methods to conduct their research. Although the current analysis is not necessarily focused on gender, feminist methods are useful here because they can be applied when a researcher “seeks an …

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 …

Once Bitten, Thrice Wise: The Varying Effects Of Victimization On Routine Activities And Risk Management, J. Michael Vecchio

Criminal Justice & Criminology: Faculty Publications & Other Works

While the relationship between offending and victimization is well established, less is understood about what contributes to the varied effects of victimization on future behavior. Drawing on qualitative interviews from a sample of at-risk men, the study explores recognized and unrecognized effects of victimization on subsequent behavior and management of lifestyle risks both within and across narratives. Findings demonstrate a range of perceived effects on behavior and risk management, with the presence or absence of substantive effects related to whether the event was both severe and directly attributable to involvement in at-risk behavior. Consequences for the victimization–termination hypothesis are discussed.

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

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

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 …

Cj Times Volume 7, Issue 1, Department Of Criminal Justice

CJ Times (Newsletter)

No abstract provided.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 …

Media Bias Toward The Colorado Springs Police Department: An Analysis Of The Existence Of Bias Through Three Eras Of Police Chiefs /, Jennifer Walden

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Research has been conducted for decades examining bias in the media, specifically toward targeted groups and organizations such as politicians and public agencies. The intention of this study is to examine written media news stories surrounding the time period of three local police chiefs from 2001 through 2011 to determine the existence of bias toward the Colorado Springs Police Department. The research conducted during this study adds to existing research and literature which assesses the unpredictable relationship between the police department and the media. It expands on the need for a police department to utilize its public information officer and …

Phenomenological Theories Of Crime, Peter K. Manning, Michael W. Raphael

Graduate Student Publications and Research

The distinctive aspect of phenomenological theories of crime is that they are based upon a stated epistemology: how things are known and a specific ontology—the nature of social reality. This specificity aligns itself with neo-Kantian concern with forms of knowing, interpretation, and meaning, as well as with 20th-century concern with perception, cognition, and the framing of events. While there are influences of phenomenological thinking on varieties of theorizing, such as symbolic interactionism, critical theory, queer theory, and gender-based theories of crime, these ideas are refractions and are inconsistent in their reference to and understanding of the foundational phenomenological works. A …

Overcriminalization For Lack Of Better Options: A Celebration Of Bill Stuntz, Daniel C. Richman

Faculty Scholarship

The unity of Bill Stuntz's character – his profound integrity – makes it easy to move from a celebration of his friendship (which I’ve treasured since we first met back in 1985) to one of his scholarship, for creativity, wisdom, and humility are strengths not just of Bill himself but of his work. Even as his broad brush strokes have fundamentally advanced our understanding of the interplay between substantive criminal law, criminal procedure, and criminal justice institutions over time, Bill's work – like Bill himself – welcomes and endures sustained engagement. Humility is appropriate for me, too, as I offer …

Animal Assisted Therapy: The Perception Of Animal Assisted Therapy Clinicians Regarding Active Participation In Treatment Therapies Of Juveniles In Detention Center Settings, Julia M. Lowe

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Juvenile delinquent facilities have witnessed an increase in youthful offenders experiencing mental health disorders. Mental health clinicians have been required to implement new forms of mental health treatments to address the rise in this special population of juveniles. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) has become a popular form of treatment in detention facilities. Qualitative data collection was administered using a focus group of three participants to examine clinicians' perceptions of juvenile participation during AAT. Clinicians perceived increased participation of juveniles participation in AAT. Clinicians also witnessed changes in juvenile behaviors within the detention facility, indicating juveniles participating in AAT were more …

Media Perception Of Excessive Police Force Based On Unemployment Rate: An Analysis Of Colorado Springs, Denver, And Pueblo, Jennifer Meckstroth

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Excessive police force is reported in newspaper articles throughout the country on a regular basis. The purpose of this project was to determine whether the unemployment rate of a city had an effect on how the media perceives excessive police force in local newspapers. A content analysis of articles combined from Colorado Springs, Denver, and Pueblo examined the current perception of police in the media and how the unemployment rate effects how the media portrays excessive police force. The results of this study analyzed how the newspaper are analyzed the results determine whether a city with high a unemployment rate …

The Demographics Of Healthcare Fraud In South Florida, Jennifer K. Pond

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Health care fraud is a large problem in this country. Experts in the field estimate that 3-10% of all health care expenditures in the United States are fraudulent (National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, n.d., Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2009). "Financial losses due to health care fraud are estimated to range from $70 billion to a staggering $234 billion a year" (The National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association, 2010). With this problem identified, it is important to identify and isolate possible influences and factors which perpetuate this type of fraud. Using South Florida as the subject area and health care fraud as …

Medical Marijuana Centers And Urban Resident's Perception Of Crime In Their Neighborhood, Maura L. Scherrer

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Due to the ambiguity of constitutional amendments, multiple state legislations, and municipal ordinances, medical marijuana has become quite a contentious subject. Despite the fact that many Americans approve the use of medical marijuana, they are opposed to medical marijuana centers opening in their own neighborhoods. People are concerned about the "element" that these centers bring into their neighborhoods as a result of increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic, loitering, open display of drug usage, and the fear of organized crime; comparable to the theory of broken windows, where crime is invited into a community when the wrong element is allowed to …

Victims Of Identity Theft: Can Existing Victim Assets Mitigate The Emotional And Psychological Impact, Carolyn M. Billecci

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

Since Sutherland coined the phrase "white-collar crime" in 1939 during his address to the American Sociological Society (Barnett, n.d.), an array of crimes now fall under that heading. In particular, the crime of identity theft is an area of great concern and the subject of this study. The first identified task in this study was to achieve an understanding of what has been learned thus far about the emotional impact of identity theft on victims. The second resided in seeking to understand if a correlation exist between assets and income, and the emotional impact felt by identity theft victims. The …

Whither Criminology?: On The State Of Criminology's Paradigm, Brendan David Dooley

Dissertations

What is the condition of criminology’s paradigm? The reply to this question has implications bearing on the profession’s bona fides as a science as well as its sustainability as an independent academic enterprise. The work attempts to capture the elusive term through the use of five themes: theoretical consensus, methodological consensus, boundaries, the departure from sociology, and the current and future status of the field. In approaching this question the work presents an analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventeen renowned criminologists. The centerpiece of the latter data set was assembled and analyzed in …

Prescription Drug Abuse And Diversion Increase With Age, Don Wunderlin

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This study conducted a secondary analysis of quantitative data collected from 2005 through 2009 from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The study found that prescription drug abuse and diversion from 2005 through 2009 showed an increasing usage, which is dependent upon age and drug category. While those aged 18-25 demonstrated higher nonmedical use of prescription drugs for three drug categories, those aged 50 and older were determined to have a higher usage in only one drug category. Overall the study determined that after age 50 nonmedical use of prescription drug and therefore diversion begins to drop significantly …

General Strain Theory And Juvenile Delinquency: A Cross-Cultural Study, Wen-Hsu Lin

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

General strain theory (GST) (Agnew, 1992, 2001, 2006a) is an established criminological theory. Although the theory has been examined by many and enjoys empirical support, some limitations of previous studies need to be addressed. First, previous studies have not incorporated all major types of strain in their models; hence, the effects of these strains on delinquency are unclear. Second, many previous studies did not include negative emotions and even negative emotions other than anger. Finally, and the most serious limitation, many previous studies rely heavily on samples from Western countries, mostly the U.S.; thus, possible cultural influences are ignored. Although …

Mission Statement Content And Prevalence Among Local Police Departments And Sheriffs' Offices, Gwendolyn L. Pascoe

Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)

This descriptive study uses grounded theory approach to investigate the prevalence and content of mission statements among United States local police departments and sheriffs' offices that employ less than 25 sworn personnel. Mixed method research analysis identified the prevalence of mission statements as well as the content and characteristics of mission statement. Mission statements were analyzed with no a priori assumptions, standards, or coding schema. From this study it was found that 80 (37.21%) of the study's sample law enforcement agencies (N = 215) have mission statements that were located through this study's web search and agency participation. The analysis …

The Art Of Caring: Woman And Restorative Justice, Peggy Lobb

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The process of restorative justice involves the caring compassion of others by providing support for the peaceful resolution of the conflict. The term restorative justice is used to describe a justice practice that has been in existence for hundreds of years in many indigenous communities. Recently, it is emerging in modern criminal justice systems as a way to obtain fair reparation for the victim and to offer an opportunity for the victim and the offender to mediate and reconcile after the offense to restore balance and peace to the community. The process involves the participation of the victim, offender, and …