Dade County (Miami, Florida) government officials, made various attempts in recent years to reduce the number of robberies committed against tourists in the Greater Miami area. This exploratory, descriptive study reviewed those efforts focusing on the most recent attempt, a problem-oriented police response, the Tourist-Oriented Police Program (TOP). TOP's area of assignment was examined to determine if robberies were reduced and if robberies increased in the surrounding area, indicating possible displacement. Additionally, the robbery and tourist robbery rates of the county were examined to determine if TOP may have been a causal factor in any change. Data from area police departments of robberies occurring from 1989 through 1994 were retrieved and analyzed. Utilizing an interrupted time series design model, raw numbers and percentages of robberies in several geographic areas were compared. A subjective interpretation of the data suggests that TOP was a causal factor in reduction, and that robberies were not significantly, if at all, displaced into other areas.

<p> Probation officers are subject to a great deal of stress. The goal of this study is to examine occupational stress and burnout by testing and modifying the Job Demands-Resources model. This model suggests that organizational characteristics have implications for individual outcomes related to stress. However, the model neglects the role of individual factors, such as resilience and coping. In coordination with the Probation Association of New Jersey, this study tests the modified model using cross-sectional surveys from 184 probation officers. Results suggest that resilience influences how individuals perceive and cope with stress, maladaptive strategies lead to burnout, and burnout is associated with increased health concerns and turnover.</p><p>

abstract: ABSTRACT Since it was officially established, China’s stock market has witnessed rapid cultural, social, economic, and legal transformations during the last two decades. But the development of China’s stock market brought with it the frequent occurrence of securities crimes and other types of white-collar crimes that harmed vast numbers of public retail stockholders. This study reviews sociolegal theories, especially law and finance theories, to shed light on the construction of regulatory mechanisms for the Chinese stock market. The critical point for stock market regulation is to curb securities irregularities and protect investors. This study applies white-collar criminological theories, especially crime-as-choice theories, to link the theoretical analyses of the causes of securities crimes to the laws, policies and practices governing the Chinese stock market. Historical, documentary and policy analyses, case analyses, and analysis of interviews, and observations of weibos and blogs are employed in this study. The data sources consist of: (1) historical information on the development of China’s stock market and its regulation, both in terms of legislation and practice; (2) interviews with 40 retail stockholders, each of whom has more than ten years of experiences in stock trading, in two Chinese cities, Shenzhen and Haikou; and (3) online statements and comments of 30 well known Chinese economists, law scholars, financial commentators, lawyers, and securities experts in Sina weibos (microblogs) and blogs. Based on the analyses, this study suggests revising relevant laws and establishing supporting mechanisms to reduce securities irregularities and crimes in China’s stock market and strength the protection of stock investors. My study also draws attention to the growth of rights consciousness of public retail stockholders, which has potential to propel political and legal reform for the development of the Chinese stock market. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Justice Studies 2015

abstract: Incarceration has a lasting and robust impact on individuals’ health, social support networks, and general well-being. Yet the role of carceral or personal factors in health outcomes remains unclear, particularly for racial and ethnic minorities. Prisons, with crowded living areas and shared bathroom facilities, invite the spread of infectious diseases such as hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS. The overwhelming majority of incarcerated individuals will eventually be released back to their communities, bringing with them any health-related issues acquired in prison and beforehand. This makes ex-prisoners’ health a correctional and public health and safety issue. Accordingly, this study seeks to advance our understanding and improve correctional policy by (1) assessing the factors that affect the adverse physical and mental health of returning prisoners, (2) determining how different types of social support (instrumental or emotional) and stress alter the relationship between health and positive reentry outcomes, and (3) examining how health, stress, and social support influence offending and drug use. The broader purpose of this research is to inform correctional policy and practice, engage public health concerns about ex-prisoners, and create a cost-effective model to decrease the stressors related to offender reentry, with the ultimate aim of reducing recidivism. The study includes 802 male ex-prisoners, with an original target sample size of 400 gang and 400 non-gang members identified using disproportionate stratified random sampling techniques. The study was conducted in cooperation with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) in two prisons. Data come from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funded LoneStar Project and include a battery of survey questions about demographic information, physical and mental health, criminological theoretical constructs, release planning, criminogenic attitudes, and gang membership. The dissertation uses two waves of the LoneStar Project: an in-prison baseline interview, administered a week before release, and an interview administered over the phone at one month post-release. After conducting descriptive analyses, regression modeling will be used to assess the effects of the key independent variables on physical health and later, self-reported offending, net of appropriate controls. Results and relevant policy implications are discussed and should appeal to criminologists, health scholars, policymakers, and practitioners. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Criminology and Criminal Justice 2018

No description available.

abstract: Knowing that disorder is related to crime, it has become essential for criminologists to understand how and why certain individuals perceive disorder. Using data from the Perceptions of Neighborhood Disorder and Interpersonal Conflict Project, this study uses a fixed photograph of a neighborhood, to assess whether individuals "see" disorder cues. A final sample size of n=815 respondents were asked to indicate if they saw particular disorder cues in the photograph. The results show that certain personal characteristics do predict whether an individual sees disorder. Because of the experimental design, results are a product of the individual's personal characteristics, not of the respondent's neighborhood. These findings suggest that the perception of disorder is not as clear cut as once thought. Future research should explore what about these personal characteristics foster the perception of disorder when it is not present, as well as, how to fight disorder in neighborhoods when perception plays such a substantial role. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Criminology and Criminal Justice 2013

<p> This thesis examines the Los Angeles School Police Department&rsquo;s (LASPD) arrest diversion program currently used by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The diversion referral program offers an alternative to arrest and citation for LAUSD students between the ages of 13 and 17 who commit minor law violations on school grounds. The goal for this collaborative program is to offer a &ldquo;non-punitive&rdquo; enforcement model that supports strategic problem solving and addresses the behavioral, social, and emotional needs of students and their families. Using a mixed methods approach, combining interview and survey techniques, I assess whether the program was implemented according to intended protocol and procedures. Findings from the survey and interviews suggest a lack of consistency in the assessment of juveniles&rsquo; progress along with several obstacles preventing successful outcomes for participants. The majority of officers surveyed did not believe the arrest diversion program strengthened relationships between police and participants or police and the community. This process evaluation revealed barriers to successful implementation including a lack of communication between involved parties and lack of parental involvement and follow through by participants.</p><p>

<p> Fire statistics show that fire-related deaths and property loss is higher in rural communities when compared to urban communities. Even though fire department performance is an important aspect in preventing fire-related incidents, there are no standardized indicators that these departments are required to follow. A review of eleven rural communities in California showed that volunteer firefighters lacked the training recommended by the California State Fire Marshal. Most of the fire stations were in fair to poor condition and required significant repairs to make them operational. The ISO ratings received by the eleven communities indicated that most of the fire stations did not possess adequate fire station facilities, water supplies, communication services, and staffing levels. These communities indicated that they referred to NFPA 1720 for guidance in evaluating performance. They also referred to State Fire Marshal requirements for training. However, because NFPA 1720 recommendation are not mandated , the fire departments do not always follow the criteria recommended. Because the State Fire Marshal does not stipulate a deadline for training requirements, many fire departments disregard this requirement. For fire departments to adhere to identified indicators, they need to be specified in the community ordinance or outlined as a requirement in the emergency preparedness plan for the community.</p><p>

The growth of private (and other non-state) forms of policing signals as important a transformation in policing as that which occurred with the emergence of state constabularies in the nineteenth century (Bayley and Shearing 1996; Shearing and Stenning, 1987). The number of private security officers operating in Canada has long surpassed their public counterparts and their everyday presence can be readily seen. Research in this field, insufficient in its quantity, has illustrated that the role of policing is no longer exclusive to government agents---the once clear dichotomy that was is now blurred. The field of private security has received considerable attention on behalf of academics in recent decades, and the vast bulk of it has in fact been rather negative. Critics have argued that commercial security lacks effective regulation, has limited public accountability and demonstrates poor standards of recruitment and training (Johnston, 1999; Johnston, 1992; Jones & Newburn, 1998; Loader, 1999). The research presented herein attempts to examine the potential consequences of such conditions. The exploratory research presented herein has for intent to bring to light, describe and document the extent of malpractice as a reality of private security work. Operating under the hypothesis that malpractice in the field of private security is common and accepted behaviour within the lower, non-managerial ranks of the industry, 47 individuals employed as security officers in Ottawa were surveyed via a self-administered questionnaire to assess their rate of participation in acts otherwise thought of as malpractice and to assess whether or not they did so knowingly and willingly. Findings appeared to confirm the previously hypothesized statement. On multiple items respondents confirmed as constituting malpractice, only a small number of participants reported never to have taken part in their commission. On average, more than 60% of respondents admitted to having committed some form of malpractice. In conjunction with a high number of officers who are fully aware of the wrongful nature of their actions, it becomes disconcerting to realize that malpractice appears to occur often and with the full awareness of the perpetrators. Security providers and policy makers nationwide should heed the warning signs and implement solutions that, only through considerable additional research, may work to instill a more secure sense of security. The veracity of the phenomenon stood out in the sampled population as a potentially harmful consequent of academically criticized working conditions. Though the exploratory nature of the research presented herein does not necessarily provide the tools required to draw meaningful inferences with regards to causes and effects, the results have nonetheless opened themselves to various conclusions and recommendations. First and foremost, malpractice, as defined in this research, exists in the field of private security. Officers employed by security firms tend to engage in such activity on a consistent, if not regular basis. The severity of the offence may vary greatly and is understandably finely tuned to its rate of occurrence; however, the smallest symptoms retain its importance when considering the broader unaddressed regulatory issues. In light of this analysis, it becomes apparent that actions should be taken by managerial ranks to more accurately identify and deal with such behaviour; if not to correct it, at the least it may deter and decrease its existence. Additionally, it was made evident in this research that rates of participation in acts of malpractice were not necessarily contingent upon any misconceptions or confused attitudes toward the types of behaviours that would generally be classified under its heading. Officers reported engaging in such behaviours with full knowledge and a firm belief that their actions were wrongful. It thus seems that employee comportment rules and regulations are successfully disseminated to the lower ranks of security officers. In light of this, efforts should perhaps be aimed more toward an enforcement and identification aspect rather than toward an improved communicative approach. Further empirical research is a must if we are to truly understand the different manifestations of malpractice within the private police and the risks they may pose for the industry and the public they are often tasked to protect. In particular, we must better acquaint ourselves with the motives and the driving forces that would prompt an initial act and any action, or lack thereof, that would encourage subsequent ones. The exploratory goals of this research have but reaffirmed a dire need for additional descriptive analysis of this field of study.

L'intérêt ultime de cette thèse est d'observer si et comment les rapports entre l'État et les citoyens se transforment à l'ère du néolibéralisme et de la société du risque. Pour ce faire, nous avons privilégié un laboratoire particulier soit le débat politique concernant la mise sur pied de la Banque nationale de données génétiques. Compte tenu de sa centralité dans la définition du rapport entre l'État et les citoyens, nous avons questionné notre matériau pour découvrir la place faite à la présomption d'innocence dans le débat entourant l'instauration de cette technologie. Concrètement, la question qui guide notre recherche est: Comment les différents groupes de pression intervenus dans le processus législatif menant à l'adoption de la Banque nationale de données génétiques se représentent-ils la présomption d'innocence? Dans les mémoires des groupes de pression, nous avons analyse comment, à travers ce que les groupes disent, on peut percevoir leur conception de la présomption d'innocence. Nous avons pu dégager trois configurations, ou trois idéaux-types, des représentations de la présomption d'innocence: une présomption de risque, une présomption d'innocence relevant du libéralisme classique et une conception intermédiaire de la présomption d'innocence. Cette recherche, nous l'espérons, participe à combler un manque de connaissances empiriques sur la question de l'ADN en tant qu'objet sociologique et plus précisément sur l'ADN dans la justice criminelle.