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This study examined characteristics of 100 intensive probationers and 100 regular probationers to have a better understanding of why some probationers recidivate and others do not. Logistic analysis was used to analyze the following variables: age, race, gender, employment status, level of education, convicted offense, prior misdemeanor arrests, prior felony arrests, history of drug abuse, and type of probation. It was discovered that age, prior misdemeanor arrests, and offender category were significant variables correlated to recidivism. These findings are consistent with prior research and provide information that can be helpful to probation and parole officers in their supervision of offenders as well as to the criminal justice system when placing offenders on probation or parole.

The theories of social bond, differential association and routine activities were synthesized into one theoretical model to determine its predictive utility in the explanation of juvenile delinquency and victimization. Using cross-sectional data obtained from the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) survey, a sample of 1,555 middle school students was examined. The results of the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions indicate that the integrated model explains between 33% and 37% of the variation in delinquent behavior (i.e., property crime, violent crime and alcohol and illegal drug use). The analysis also indicates that the integrated model explains between 15% and 27% of the variation in victimization. This thesis concludes that theoretical integration is necessary in order to develop a more complete crime theory and to increase the current understanding of the crime-victimization relationship.

Across time, the influence of parents and peers appears to change. Early in life, parents have a stronger influence on the development of youth than do their peers. This, however, will change as an individual ages. Using longitudinal data from the Marion County (Oregon) Youth Survey (1964-1979), I examine the influence of parents or delinquent association, drug use and arrest. Analysis generated through latent growth curve modeling show that although parental influence appears to decrease significantly later in life, parental attachment delays the formation of delinquent peer networks, thereby indirectly reducing the total number of arrests. Even so, reductions in parental influence over time were associated with a significantly accelerated rate of acquiring delinquent peers and hence, with an increased frequency of arrest and drug use. The available evidence thus suggests that parental attachment has initial inhibitory effects on the formation of peer networks but only limited long-term developmental effects.

The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees individuals’ right to trial by an impartial jury. However, empirical research indicates that the jury system is flawed, especially regarding judicial sentencing instructions. More specifically, jurors frequently misunderstand or misinterpret State patterned instructions. On a more encouraging note, there is evidence that comprehension of jury instructions can be improved. Thus, this research assessed improvement in juror comprehension using revised sentencing instructions. For the current investigation, participants included 201 volunteers called for jury duty in Western Tennessee. Data were generated via a questionnaire, which allowed for the collection of information relating to participants’ understanding of the sentencing instructions. Findings suggest that comprehension is low when jurors are only exposed to instructions written by the State. Furthermore, when jurors were given a more detailed explanation of certain problematic terminology, comprehension significantly increased. Policy implications of this research and directions for future improvement are discussed.

Over the past 20 years, a plethora of research has been conducted on the effects of arrest in reducing recidivism of domestic violence offenders. The findings of such research have been varied. This study uses data from the Minneapolis Intervention Project to test the effectiveness criminal justice sanctions (i.e., arrest, jail, counseling, and the combination) on reducing recidivism of male domestic violence offenders. Results from bivariate analysis found that the criminal justice sanction of arrest and jail was related to recidivism. However, criminal justice sanctions could not predict recidivism.

Within the last forty years, numerous studies have been conducted to determine what variables affect citizens' satisfaction with police services. The present study, using survey responses from 100 residents in one city in upper East Tennessee, measured citizens' satisfaction with police services based on their own police-citizen contacts and neighborhood conditions and determined what types of police services the citizens desired or thought were important. A significant difference was found in satisfaction with police services when compared by race, polite and fair treatment by the police, the type of contact with police, and visibility of patrol cars in neighborhoods. However, no significant difference was found in satisfaction with police services when compared by socioeconomic status, night walking safety, and prior victimization. It was also found that citizens felt the greatest needs of their local police department were more officers and a police station open 24 hours a day.

This study measured police officers perception of the validity of General Theory of Crime. Using a sample of 117 officers and an adapted version of the Grasmick et al. (1993) self-control scale, this study measures the level of agreement officers exhibit that low self-control traits are present in property and violent offenders. Measurement is also performed to determine variation in officers agreement based on the personal characteristics gender, age, education, experience, and rank. Findings indicate officers show agreement with self-control items across the six dimensions of self control traits, as well as significant variation in agreement with the property offender self-control scale based on gender. Analysis on individual items of the property and violent offender self-control scales indicates significant variation in agreement on several items based on personal characteristics. Conclusions demonstrate the need for further studies measuring police perception of offenders and the validity of criminological theories. Limitations of this study are also discussed.