Criminology Commons^™

Perceptions Of Experiences Of Formerly Incarcerated Individuals On Community Reentry Programs To Reduce Recidivism, Kelly Sieger

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study was conducted to identify the perceptions of experiences of formerly incarcerated individuals who have been actively involved in community-based reentry programming (CBRP). Utilizing a qualitative interview approach with previously incarcerated persons, the study’s focus was to identify the differences in literature, lived experiences, and the connection between CBRP and recidivism through the perceptions of formerly incarcerated persons who have completed CBRP. A key goal was to identify difficulties in the reentry process through the perception of lived experience and offer suggestions for improvements through the lens of actuarial justice. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach, data was collected through …

Support Services From Prison To Home: Reentry Programs In A Midwestern State, Naima I. Lusane

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed in this study was a gap in understanding the impact of Ohio-based reentry programs and support services for previously incarcerated offenders. Providing reentry services to ex-offenders before and after release from prison is vital in reducing the likelihood of recidivism. This study was essential because its outcomes provided valuable insights to reentry service agencies and prisons into the impact of support services on successful reentry and reducing recidivism in Ohio. The purpose of this qualitative ethnographic study was to explore how reentry programs addressed the employment, education, and housing needs of ex-offenders transiting back into society. The …

Absent Fathers And The Propensity Of Criminal Behaviors Among Children Later In Life, India Kewanna Holmes

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of the qualitative phenomenological research was to investigate the experiences of young adults raised by one caregiver and how the lack of fathers in the household impacted their decision-making processes concerning engaging in criminal behaviors. The following inquiry guided the research: What are the effects of fatherlessness on decision-making in young adults, and how is it related to criminal behavior? Semi-structured interviews of 15 participants, aged 18 to 26, were used as the primary data collection method. The interview instrument consisted of ten items, and responses were analyzed using coding and thematic analysis. The study's findings revealed several …

The Perspective Of Formerly Incarcerated African American Men During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Iyesha Shauntae' Franklin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The confluence of two devastating circumstances—the COVID-19 pandemic and the crowded, insalubrious living conditions in American jails as a result of mass incarceration, brought about an epidemic of an unprecedented magnitude. The large jail population, highly susceptible to infections due to overcrowded conditions, experienced exponential spread of the virus. While earlier research examined unhealthy situations related to the prison environment and their effects on inmates, the focus of such studies was not typically major crises or disease outbreaks in prisons. This qualitative phenomenological study used 10 participants located in the southeastern United States as a case study to better understand …

Discovering Factors That Influence Young African American Males' (18-25) Satisfaction With And Trust In Northeast Ohio Police, Timothy David Finucan Jr

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Police officers have been known to use excessive force and abuse their powers during encounters with young African American males (ages 18 to 25), which may lead to lower perception levels of police. This study provides crucial information for criminal justice professionals about the psychological and demographic factors that influence young African American males’ perceptions of police. The purpose of this study was to analyze these factors that influence how young African American males perceive law enforcement after having an encounter with the police and how to make future encounters more pleasurable. The research question in this study was used …

Municipal Law Enforcement Perceptions Of Active Shooter Response Training, Christopher M. Martin

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

There are continuous occurrences of active shooter events in communities all over the United States. This study explored municipal law enforcement active shooter response training, tools used in response to active shooter incidents, and community policing policies practiced by the agency. The theory of andragogy was used to guide the behaviors associated with active shooter training and response. Research questions focused on how Root Agency (pseudonym) officers felt about their agencies’ active shooter response training and how officers felt about whether more active shooter training with the community would be beneficial. Data were collected using qualitative interviews with 10 law …

Motivation And Treatment Readiness Of Those Participating In Correctional Educational Programming, Kelly Eileen O'Bryan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study examined what motivated male inmates in a private Oklahoma prison to participate in general education diploma or the Microsoft Office Specialist certification program. Research questions explored, what factors motivated program participants to participate in educational programs while incarcerated? Next, whether those who were eligible to participate in the program exhibited treatment readiness? Finally, were those who exhibited higher levels of treatment readiness and motivation were more likely to participate in and complete the program? A survey was used to collect demographic information and assess treatment readiness and motivation through the Corrections Victoria Treatment Readiness Questionnaire for 48 inmates. …

The Experiences Of Decision Making In Gangs, Julian Geoffrey Harris

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Gang violence and illicit gang activities continue to be a major problem to society and law enforcement. Gang violence is responsible for much of the violence death and illicit drug trade. The decision juveniles make to initiate into a gang increases these unwelcome behaviors. The ways in which juveniles make decisions about gang initiation and how to assess the ramifications of those decisions are understudied and reflect a gap in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to better comprehend the experiences of juveniles who make decisions to initiate into a gang and to better understand how they …

Impact Of Veteran Treatment Courts On Lived Experiences Of Male Military Veterans With Misdemeanor Criminal Records, Verona Ann Cabbagestalk

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Support for criminal justice reform is growing due to scrutiny of high incarceration rates and recidivism. Military veterans within the criminal justice system are included in correctional populations. Veterans’ unique experiences involving combat trauma require alternative treatments to reduce their involvement with the justice system. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore lived experiences of male military veterans with misdemeanor criminal records. This phenomenological qualitative study involved using the homecoming theory to explore lived experiences of male military veterans with criminal records. Research questions related to understanding lived veteran experiences that led to their involvement with the …

To Resist Or Persist? An Examination Of Interpersonal Relationships Formed In Prison, Kamecia S. Blake

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Prison is an important component of the criminal justice system. The structure and functionality of prison is tailored towards incapacitation, rehabilitation, and deterrence, which are goals of punishment. However, prison can have unintended consequences which increase the criminogenic risk of offenders causing inmates to become career criminals. This study examined the role of prison socialization, particularly the influence of interpersonal relationships formed while incarcerated on recidivistic behavior. It is important to investigate interpersonal relationships formed while incarcerated so that prison administrators can better realize its goal to rehabilitate offenders and prepare them for reintegration into society. The study was grounded …

Relationships Between Environmental Pollution And Corporate Environmental Violence Within The Florida Energy Sector, Lynne Hodalski-Champagne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Environmental pollution and corporate environmental violence (CEV) have become a primary motivator for research, activism, and policy initiatives. Prior research has involved environmental crime, environmental injustice and racism, its origins, history and applications, and effects on public perceptions leading to recommendations for policy implementation. The purpose of the study was to address environmental pollution in terms of total toxic emissions and CEV through analyses of harm inflicted on life, health, and physical integrity of humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. A quantitative correlational design was used with a Pearson’s r correlation coefficient to determine significance with a 95% confidence interval. Routine activities, …

Relationships Between Environmental Pollution And Corporate Environmental Violence Within The Florida Energy Sector, Lynne Hodalski-Champagne

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Environmental pollution and corporate environmental violence (CEV) have become a primary motivator for research, activism, and policy initiatives. Prior research has involved environmental crime, environmental injustice and racism, its origins, history and applications, and effects on public perceptions leading to recommendations for policy implementation. The purpose of the study was to address environmental pollution in terms of total toxic emissions and CEV through analyses of harm inflicted on life, health, and physical integrity of humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. A quantitative correlational design was used with a Pearson’s r correlation coefficient to determine significance with a 95% confidence interval. Routine activities, …

Perceptions Of Developmental Disability Service Providers, On How The Judicial System Responses To Persons With Developmental Disabilities., Donna Whilby

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The situation or issue that prompted me to search the literature was observing the persons with developmental disabilities circling the judicial system due to multiple encounters with law enforcement. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how the Northeast Florida judicial system could improve the outcomes of persons with developmental disabilities by reducing and preventing multiple encounters. The empowerment theory was the most appropriate theory for my study. Empowerment theory indicates that it is imperative to encourage people, especially those who have a psychological deficit, to lean into their resources to gain and utilize their power in society. …

Perceptions On The Effects Of Religious Programs On Criminal Behavior Among Juveniles, Torshekia Ellington

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Destigmatizing Mental Health Treatment Among Law Enforcement Officers Amidst The Blue Wall Of Silence, Jason Yerk

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Criminal Justice Employees’ Perspectives On Barriers To Successful Prosecution Of Sex Crimes Against Women: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Stephen Dahnkwii Paye

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Criminal Justice Employees’ Perspectives on Barriers to Successful Prosecution of Sex Crimes Against Women: A Qualitative Descriptive Study by Stephen Dahnkwii Paye MA, Keiser University, 2018 BS, Strayer University, 2015 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Criminal Justice Walden University January 20 2024 Postwar Liberia remains particularly challenged in prosecuting sexual crimes against women. As a result, women remain vulnerable to sexual assault against their person. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore how individuals working in the formal and informal criminal justice systems in postwar Liberia describe the barriers to …

The Effectiveness Of Counseling Juveniles And Guardians As A Measure Of Recidivism, Robert D. Johnson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study explored the lived experiences and perceptions of 10 juvenile justice professionals who had interacted with juvenile offenders and their guardians. This phenomenological qualitative study aimed to examine the outcomes of functional family therapy (FFT) between juvenile offenders and their guardians and their impact on recidivism rates in the National Capital Region portion of the Washington Metropolitan area. The theoretical framework that guided this study was FFT, which focuses on family dynamics and interactions while addressing a youth’s problem behavior. During semi-structured interviews (conducted via Zoom (due to COVID-19 restrictions), participants were asked open-ended questions about their feelings, experiences, …

Biosocial Criminology: Projected Criminal Behaviors Induced By Climate Changes, David Brown Sr.

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Public Perceptions About Police With Beards, Dennis F. Hale

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Correctional Officers Working With Violent Adult Male Prisoners In Maximum-Security, Alexis Montgomery Nordman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

No abstract provided.

Juvenile Justice And The Criminalization Of Mentally Ill Individuals, Michael Collins

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Juvenile justice systems in the United States are using incarceration as a solution to the problem of youths with mental health disorders who commit violent crimes. Juvenile justice systems across the United States have a revolving door effect that arrests, adjudicates, and incarcerates youth offenders but fail to address the factors that contribute to recidivism. The purpose of the qualitative case study was to identify which treatment procedures were most appropriate for juvenile offenders who committed violent offenses in an effort to reduce recidivism for this offender population. For this study, an ecological psychology theory was used as a lens …

Recent Parolees Participating In An Adult Basic Education And Work Skills Program, Charles Jenkins

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Abstract

The issue addressed in this study was the increasing number of prisoners in U.S. prisons and the related issue of recidivism after release. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of 8 formerly incarcerated adults. The conceptual foundation of this study was based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory and Vygotsky's concept of the zone of proximal development and transformational learning. The research question for this study inquired about how released prisoners perceive their educational experiences in the MTM program. Participants were selected among adults who were incarcerated for at least 12 months and living in the …

Women, Domestic Violence Service Providers, And Knowledge Of Technology-Related Abuse, Nadine White

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many victims of domestic violence face continued exposure to abuse through technology because intimate partners may use technology as weapon against them. Some domestic violence service professionals lack necessary information or training to educate victims. The impact on victims has not been thoroughly examined. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to assess the impact on women when domestic violence service providers do not provide current information about technology-related abuse to promote safety when providing service to victims. The conceptual framework was the Duluth model of power and control and the feminist perspective on intimate partner violence. The primary …

Certainty Versus Suspicion: Incapacitated Sexual Assault On Campus, Amanda Ellen Quade

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

One in four women experience sexual assault during college. With rates of sexual assault on college campuses continuing to increase, the need for advanced analysis utilizing contemporary variables is justified. The purpose of this quantitative study was to compare two groups of female college-attending students. One group was certain and the other suspected that they were sexually assaulted while incapacitated (independent variables). Dependent variables compared between groups were offender type (interest on offenders with fraternal affiliations), law enforcement reporting decisions, and barriers to reporting sexual assault. Four research questions measured whether there was a statistically significant difference amongst the dependent …

Central California's Juvenile/Dependency And Criminal Courts' Treatment Of Parent-Child Contact, Cheryl Oslinker Spano

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Parties to a legal action of child abuse can be prosecuted criminally as well as charged with allegations within the jurisdiction of juvenile/dependency court. This can lead to seemingly conflicting goals regarding contact and visitation between the two parties (victim and defendant; child and parent). In essence, restraining orders or visitation orders from one court can contradict the case goals of another court. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to (a) determine if there is a pattern of inconsistent goals in cases of concurrent jurisdictional child-abuse cases, (b) evaluate the effect of conflicting court orders on each jurisdiction's …

Perceptions, Lived-Experiences, And Environmental Factors Impacting The Crime-Reporting Practices Of Private College Students, Kelly Lynn Arney

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The purpose of this study was assessing the perceptions of student's on how the campus climate impacts their likelihood of reporting crime. Victimization studies have been conducted at large universities and community colleges; however, there remains a lack of research regarding private colleges. This study was designed to examine the reasoning behind students' crime-reporting behaviors and the influencers that impact their decisions. Cohen and Felson's routine activity theory along with the collective-efficacy theory were used as frameworks to analyze the crimes that occur to college students as well as to explore the reasons for not reporting some crimes to law …

National Strategy Against Narcotics, Drug Control Policy, And Law Enforcement Experiences In Kosovo, Ferid Azemi

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This research is focused on evaluation of National Strategy Against Narcotics (NSAN) enacted in 2012 in Kosovo. The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of NSAN through visualizing data and gaining deeper insight from experiences of antidrug experts. Convergent parallel mixed methods were used to answer the main research questions. The central research questions examined the impact of strategy implementation in juvenile drug arrest reduction, and its effectiveness on Kosovo criminal justice system. Markwood's comprehensive theory of substance abuse prevention (CTSAP) was used to assess and explore the NSAN. Deidentified juvenile arrest rates taken from Kosovo official …

Relationship Between Race, Gender, And Elder Abuse Awareness, James Earl Burrell

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Lack of elder abuse awareness and underreporting is an increasing problem in the United States in that only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse is reported. The failure to report incidents of elder abuse and suspected elder abuse allows further abuse of elders and for elder abusers to go unpunished. The purpose of this quantitative nonexperimental study was to understand the relationship between race, gender, and elder abuse awareness and fill the gap in elder abuse literature. Research questions tested mean differences between race and gender, respectively, and elder abuse awareness. The theoretical frameworks for this study were the …

Valuation Of Ex-Offender Motivation For Participation In A Restorative Justice Praxis, Kenneth Lang

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Restorative justice (RJ) is an emerging concept of justice in the American penal system that seeks equality for all stakeholders involved. While RJ is vastly under researched--especially concerning RJ and violent offenses--current studies have only focused on determining victims' motivations for participating in RJ. Determining and evaluating offender motivations for participating in RJ remains unexplored. The purpose of this study was to explore the possible motivations of criminal offenders and their willingness to participate in RJ. The social construction framework and the narrative policy framework were employed to understand the social context. A mixed-method approach was used that began with …

Psychological Characteristics Of Sex Offenders, Patrick Mcmunn

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Current therapeutic treatment methods are ineffective in identifying at-risk sex offenders and reducing recidivism of known offenders, likely due to inadequate identification of specific traits of sex offenders. Previous research and prominent theories in the area of sex offender treatment, in terms of the biological foundation of substance abuse, behaviors of sex offenders, and the presence of aggression, helped to guide this research. Data about sex offenders were collected, as reported by mental health professionals who treat them and focused on three characteristics: maladaptive interpersonal behaviors, impulsivity, and antisocial behaviors, on which the research questions were formed to detect commonality. …