Criminal Justice Review recent issues

Exploring the Use of Victim Surveys to Study Gang Crime: Prospects and Possibilities

Rennison, C. M., Melde, C. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:58 PST

There has long been debate on the appropriate method to collect valid and reliable data on gang member involvement in crime and delinquency. In general, research in this area is based on data from self-report surveys, qualitative field work, and official reports which have well-documented limitations. Given these limitations, triangulation of methods is important to fully understand the unique contribution of gang members to the problem of crime and delinquency. This article proposes an additional data source to study gang violence and enhance triangulation: The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), which added a measure of the victim’s perception of the offender’s gang status in 1992. We highlight the advantages and disadvantages of using the NCVS for gang violence research and present a comparison of victimizations reportedly committed by gang and nongang perpetrators across situational, offender, and victim characteristics. Findings demonstrate promise for the use of victimization data in future gang research. Like Egley, Maxson, Miller, and Klein, we encourage the use of a ‘‘pluralistic approach’’ for the study of gangs and suggest that victimization data such as the NCVS be used to provide greater insight into gang crime.

The State of the Castle: An Overview of Recent Trends in State Castle Doctrine Legislation and Public Policy

Paquette Boots, D., Bihari, J., Elliott, E. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:58 PST

Second Amendment issues regarding the right to bear arms in the home have come into focus recently with the U.S. Supreme Court landmark decision in District of Columbia v. Heller. Despite strong antigun sentiment in the wake of high-profile shootings, sweeping new castle doctrine legislation has passed in 23 states in the last 4 years. These laws effectively expand individuals’ right to defend their home and possessions with lethal force without the necessity to retreat. To date, there is little criminological research that examines the evolution of the modern castle doctrine legislation in the United States. The present article addresses this gap in the literature by offering a historical perspective on the legal etiology of the castle doctrine relating to self-defense and then analyzes existing and pending castle doctrine legislation through December 2008. A discussion of the legal and criminological implications of these statutes on public policy is offered.

Victim Character Evidence in Death Penalty Cases: How Many Songs Is Too Many?

Younglove, J. A., Nelligan, P. J., Reisner, R. L. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:58 PST

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Payne decision opening the door to victim impact testimony in capital cases generally, and to victim character evidence particularly, has been controversial. The issue is whether a murder victim’s character is relevant to the moral blameworthiness of the defendant. Several mock jury simulation studies have shown that such evidence does influence jury decisions imposing the death penalty. The current study took a different direction and examined the nature and extent of actual victim character testimony in samples of death penalty cases in three states. Data were derived from 14 transcripts of the penalty phase of trials in each of three states: California, New Jersey, and Texas, states with different political and legal climates. Content analysis revealed that there were numerous references to victims’ character in the form of positive personality traits, in addition to descriptions of the impact the crime had on the victims’ families and friends. Qualitative analysis revealed that many witnesses were allowed to use photos, videotapes, and other personal items to portray the victim’s life. What emerges from this inside view of practices in courtrooms is disturbing in that the evidence allowed seems to exceed Payne’s already meager limitations.

Self-Control, Prison Victimization, and Prison Infractions

Kerley, K. R., Hochstetler, A., Copes, H. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:58 PST

Gottfredson and Hirschi’s self-control theory has been the subject of much debate and empirical testing. Although the theory was developed originally as an explanation for criminal offending, researchers recently have examined whether low self-control may increase the risk of criminal victimization. This study assesses the effects of low self-control on victimization and offending among the incarcerated. We utilize structural equation models to test the impact of low self-control on prison victimization and prison infractions based on a study involving 208 recently paroled inmates from a Midwestern state. The results indicate that risk taking is a significant predictor of prison victimization and temper is a significant predictor of infractions. We conclude that self-control theory is a potential predictor of prison infractions and victimization and that personality traits seen as generally criminogenic in the free world may have particular situational ramifications in prison.

Book Review: Levin, J. (2008). Serial Killers and Sadistic Murderers: Up Close and Personal. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books. 233 pp

Schlesinger, L. B. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:58 PST

Book Review: Riedel, M., & Welsh, W. (2008). Criminal Violence: Patterns, Causes, and Prevention (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press, 380 pp

Barak, G. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:58 PST

Book Review: Leap, T. L. (2007). Dishonest Dollars: The Dynamics of White-Collar Crime. Ithaca, NY: ILR Press. x, 243 pp

Brockman, J. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:58 PST

Book Review: Signorelli, W. P. (2006). The Crisis of Police Liability Lawsuits: Prevention and Management. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. xii, 162 pp

Barua, V. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:58 PST

Book Review: Cox, S. M., Allen, J. M., Hanser, R. D., & Conrad, J. J (2008). Juvenile Justice: A Guide to Theory, Policy, and Practice (6th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. xiii, 417 pp

Altschuler, D. M. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:58 PST

Book Review: Plach, T. (2008). Investigating Allegations of Child and Adolescent Sexual Abuse: An Overview for Professionals. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas 192 pp

Miller, S., Crossman, A. M. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:58 PST

Book Review: Adams, H. (2008). Justice for Children: Autonomy Development and the State. New York: State University of New York Press. x, 254 pp

Schauer, E. J. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:58 PST

Book Review: Buhk, T. T., & Cohle, S. D. (2008). Skeletons in the Closet: Stories From the County Morgue. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 408 pp

Kobilinsky, L. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:58 PST

Book Review: Stinson, J. D., Sales, B. D., & Becker, J. V. (2008). Sex Offending: Causal Theories to Inform Research, Prevention, and Treatment. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. 278 pp

Beauregard, E. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:58 PST

Recent Legal Developments: Criminal Justice Decisions of the United States Supreme Court, 2008 Term

Hemmens, C. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:58 PST

Publications Received 34-4

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:43:58 PST

Understanding Identity Theft: Offenders' Accounts of Their Lives and Crimes

Copes, H., Vieraitis, L. M. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

Researchers typically label acts as "white-collar" based on the respectable status of the offender (populist perspective) or on the characteristics of the offense (patrician perspective). However, some crimes, such as identity theft are not easily classified into either of these categories. The current study is designed to contextualize previous research and to situate the crime of identity theft within these two broad perspectives of white-collar crime. To do this, 59 identity thieves incarcerated in federal prisons were interviewed to offer the offenders’ perspectives on existing research describing characteristics of thieves and the techniques they employ to complete their crimes. Results show that identity thieves are a diverse group in terms of demographic characteristics (age, race, gender, and social class), employment, and criminal histories. They employed a variety of methods to both acquire information and convert it to cash. The most common methods of acquiring information were to buy it from others or to steal it from mailboxes or trashcans. They also used numerous methods to convert these identities into valuable goods, which included accessing existing accounts, applying for new credit, and obtaining loans. Thus, the findings show that identity theft is difficult to classify as white-collar crime.

Cross-Jurisdictional Disposition Variability Under Sentencing Guidelines: The Example of Equivalent Sex Offenses

Kautt, P. M., Mueller-Johnson, K. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

The sentencing guidelines of different jurisdictions often have distinct objectives and approaches to sentencing. Drawing on the arguments of past research as well as focal concerns and populist punitiveness, the current research assesses whether or not differences in design and implementation of the sentencing guidelines of two systems (Pennsylvania and Oregon) influence the incarceration and sentence length decisions meted out to comparable sex offenders within these jurisdictions. The authors hypothesize that, despite having similar grid-based configurations, variations in the history and structure of these guidelines significantly influence predictors of sentencing outcomes across these jurisdictions. Using indecent assault and sexual abuse cases, this research explores how well the aforementioned orientations perform in explaining the incarceration and sentence length decisions within and across these two jurisdictions.

Probation Management of Sex Offenders: An Analysis of Co-Facilitators' Perceptions of Offender Progress in Treatment

Marino, K. M. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

This research examined how probation officers and clinicians assigned to co-facilitate sex offender treatment groups assess treatment progress. Data for this study were collected from the progress assessments of 144 sex offenders assigned to treatment as a condition of their probation. Using a survey instrument, the probation officer—clinician teams assigned to co-facilitate the treatment groups scored offenders on items associated with compliance to probation conditions, self-labeling, and psychological insight. Consonant with the hypotheses, clinicians had a greater tendency to indicate progress that was driven by their perceptions of offenders of psychological insight. When probation officers perceived progress, it was driven by their perception of self-labeling by offenders. Ironically, offenders who were perceived as engaging in self-labeling were in fact more prone to violations. Findings are discussed in terms of the implications for effective management and supervision of convicted sex offenders.

Feelings of Safety Among Male Inmates: The Safety Paradox

Wolff, N., Jing Shi, — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

"Safety paradox" refers to the paradoxical phenomenon in which prisoners feel safe in ostensibly unsafe places --prisons. A general model of feeling safe was used to better understand the role of individual and environmental factors on inmate perception of safety inside prison. We tested theoretically derived hypotheses of vulnerability, victimization, and social disorder, under the assumption of rationality. Using survey data from approximately 7,000 male inmates residing in 13 adult prisons within a single state correctional system, hierarchical linear models were estimated to predict probabilities of feeling safe from specific types of harm and perpetrators. Findings support hypotheses of differential impact and the seriality of victimization, interprison variation, and social disorder impact but not vulnerability hypotheses. Localized social relations and recent victimization experiences had the largest individual and collective impact on feeling safe against harms inside prison (n = 137)

Do Official Misconduct Data Tell the Same Story as the Individuals Who Live in Prison?

Daggett, D. M., Camp, S. D. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

This analysis focuses on misconduct rates and inmates’ perceptions of safety at 10 low-security prisons. Performance measures derived from two different data sources, inmate survey data and agency records of inmate misconduct, are compared. The findings demonstrate that the rankings of the prisons with performance measures derived from inmates’ perception of safety correlate with measures obtained from official misconduct rates. These findings provide evidence regarding the validity and reliability of inmate survey and official misconduct data when assessing conditions of confinement.

Book Review: Goodney-Lea, S. R. (2007). Delinquency and Animal Cruelty: Myths and Realities About Social Pathology. New York: LFB Scholarly Publishing. 166 pp

Tallichet, S. E. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

Book Review: Alder, J. (2006). First in Violence, Deepest in Dirt: Homicide in Chicago, 1875-1920. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. 367 pp

Morn, F. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

Book Review: Green, S. P. (2006). Lying, Cheating, and Stealing: A Moral Theory of White-Collar Crime. New York: Oxford University Press. 240 pp

Shover, N. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

Book Review: Catalano, S. M. (2006). The Measurement of Crime: Victim Reporting and Police Recording. New York: LFB Scholarly. 230 pp

Park, M. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

Book Review: Kooi, B. R. (2007). Policing Public Transportation: An Environmental and Procedural Evaluation of Bus Stops. New York: LFB Scholarly. 190 pp

Vara, F. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

Book Review: Konradi, A. (2007). Taking the Stand: Rape Survivors and the Prosecution of Rapists. Westport, CT: Praeger. x, 227 pp

MacMillan, S. N. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

Book Review: Carceral, K. C. (2006). Prison, Inc.: A Convict Exposes Life Inside a Private Prison. Edited by T. J. Bernard. New York: New York University Press. 246 pp

Lilly, J. R. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

Book Review: Beck, E., Britto, S., & Andrews, A. (2007). In the Shadow of Death: Restorative Justice and Death Row Families. New York: Oxford University Press. 336 pp

Tewksbury, R. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

Book Review: Farrington, D. P., & Welsh, B. C. (2007). Saving Children From a Life of Crime: Early Risk Factors and Effective Interventions. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. vii, 233 pp

Emeka, T. Q. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

Book Review: Short, J. F., Jr., & Hughes, L. A. (Eds.). (2006). Studying Youth Gangs. New York: AltaMira Press. v, 288 pp

Chamberlain, A. W. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

Officer Safety Trumps Passenger Privacy: Arizona v. Johnson (2009)

Ross, D. L., Myers, J. J. — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

In a unanimous 2009 opinion, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the Fourth Amendment authorizes officers to frisk vehicle occupants during a traffic stop if there is reasonable suspicion to believe that the person is armed and dangerous. Situations reasonably suggesting the possible presence of weapons by any or all seized persons during legitimate traffic stops now affirmatively allow an immediate show of authority to neutralize the potential danger. The decision resulted from the court’s balancing interests under the Reasonableness Clause of the Fourth Amendment. The nature and extent of the passenger’s privacy interest in bodily integrity was weighed against the government’s interest in officer safety. Officer safety trumped passenger privacy. Although there are those who would claim that the current decision is but another step toward dissipating the Bill of Rights provision as it relates to matters involving the automobile, the decision is more of an evolution than an outright abandonment (Coolidge v. New Hampshire, 1971). The Fourth Amendment mandates that all searches and seizure be reasonable. This article discusses the evolution of Fourth Amendment law as it relates to frisks involving vehicles and its occupants. This research traces the evolution of these frisks from its earliest roots under Carroll v. United States (1925), to its inception under Terry v. Ohio (1968) and finally, to the most recent decision, Arizona v. Johnson (2009). Society’s privacy interests and police officers’ safety interests are explored from a practical and workable context such that an appropriate balance of conduct may result when conducting legitimate traffic encounters.

Publications Received

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:25:25 PDT

Neutralizing Potential and Self-Reported Digital Piracy: A Multitheoretical Exploration Among College Undergraduates

Morris, R. G., Higgins, G. E. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:24 PDT

This study explores retrospective (self-reported) and prospective (willingness to engage) participation in digital piracy via a multitheoretical approach relying on self-control, social learning, microanomie, and techniques of neutralization. Using more complete measures of digital piracy than in previous studies (illegal music, software, and movie downloading), data were collected from undergraduate students from multiple universities (n = 585). Modest support was found for neutralization theory when controlling for other theoretical variables. Modest support was also established for social learning theory. It is clear that there is an underexplored cross-theoretical dynamic in explaining self-reported piracy and willingness to engage in digital piracy. Suggestions for policy and future research are presented and limitations are accounted for.

Depriving Civil Rights: An Exploration of 18 U.S.C. 242 Criminal Prosecutions 2001-2006

Johnson, B. R., Bridgmon, P. B. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

To date, very little empirical work has been conducted that examines the Department of Justice's (DOJ) prosecutions of criminal civil rights violations under federal criminal code 18 U.S.C. 242. The purpose of the research is to begin a formal examination of the DOJ prosecutions of justice system officials by examining the types of cases that are selected for prosecution, in which area of the justice system do they occur, and their relationship to the overall number of complaints. Using a unique dataset, all prosecutions under 18 U.S.C. 242 from 2001-2006 were examined. Findings reveal that most complaints are levied against local police and correctional officers, prosecutions are not evenly distributed across federal circuits, and acquittal rates are extremely low. Additional noteworthy findings include significant variations in offense type among justice professions, whereby police officers typically are charged with robbery/theft while correctional officers are prosecuted for excessive force.

Effects of Trial Venue and Pretrial Bias on the Evaluation of Juvenile Defendants

Tang, C. M., Nunez, N., Bourgeois, M. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

This research examines how the public evaluates juvenile defendants tried in different venues and whether participants with different pretrial dispositions evaluate these juvenile defendants differently. In Study 1, 144 undergraduate students judge juveniles tried as adults more harshly than adult defendants or juveniles who were tried in the juvenile court. Prosecution-biased participants judge all defendants more harshly than defense-biased participants. In Study 2, 123 community residents are recruited. Findings of Study 1 are largely replicated. In addition, defense-biased participants are more likely than prosecution-biased participants to endorse the wayward youth stereotype instead of the superpredator stereotype of juvenile defendants. Implications for juvenile justice and further research on the evaluation of juvenile defendants and pretrial bias are discussed.

Participation in Victim-- Offender Mediation: Lessons Learned From Observations

Gerkin, P. M. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Victim—offender mediation has grown to establish itself among criminal justice practices as an alternative to traditionally retributive notions of justice. As the number of programs claiming to be restorative in nature continues to grow, victim—offender mediation programs are emerging as one of the state's preferred delivery methods for restorative justice. Restorative practices, including victim—offender mediation, are inclusive practices. Participation is not only encouraged, it is a necessary element for victim—offender mediation to achieve restorative outcomes. Through the use of observations and content analysis of agreements produced in victim—offender mediation, this research uncovers several impediments to individual participation, including problems in the implementation of restorative practices; participant domination, including victim lecturing; and a lack of awareness among the participants about the restorative vision of justice.

Recurrent Childhood Animal Cruelty: Is There a Relationship to Adult Recurrent Interpersonal Violence?

Hensley, C., Tallichet, S. E., Dutkiewicz, E. L. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Recent studies have begun to establish an association between childhood acts of animal cruelty and later violence against humans. Even so, research has failed to establish a strong correlation between the two, perhaps because previous studies have failed to examine the commission of violence against animals and humans in terms of their frequencies. In a replication of Tallichet and Hensley (2004) and based on survey data from 180 inmates at a medium- and maximum-security prison in a Southern state, the present study examines the relationship between the demographic characteristics of race, level of education, the residential location of an offender's formative years, and recurrent acts of childhood cruelty and their impact on later repeated acts of interpersonal violence. Only repeated acts of animal cruelty during childhood was predictive of later recurrent acts of violence toward humans, showing a possible relationship between the two.

Book Review: DeKeseredy, W. S., & Perry, B. (Eds.). (2006). Advancing Critical Criminology: Theory and Application. Latham, MD: Lexington Books. viii, 273 pp

Yeager, M. G. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: Messner, S. F. & Rosenfeld, R. (2007). Crime and the American Dream (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. 160 pp

Keesee, M. S. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: Pearson-Nelson, N. (2008). Understanding Homicide Trends: The Social Context of a Homicide Epidemic. New York: LFB Scholarly. v, 191 pp

Worley, R. M. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: St. Jean, P. K. B. (2007). Pockets of Crime: Broken Windows, Collective Efficacy and the Criminal Point of View. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 278 pp

Hinkle, J. C. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: Walklate, S. (Ed.). (2007). Handbook of Victims and Victimology. Cullompton, UK, and Portland, OR: Willan. 526 pp

Chon, D. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: Jurkanin, T. J., & Hillard, T. G. (2006). Chicago Police: An Inside View: The Story of Superintendent Terry G. Hillard. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas. xiii, 237 pp

Hagedorn, J. M. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: Provine, D. M. (2007). Unequal Under Law: Race in the War on Drugs. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 207 pp

Warren, D. M. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: Herbert, S. (2006). Citizens, Cops, and Power: Recognizing the Limits of Community. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. x, 180 pp

Cooper, J. A. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: Gumbhir, V. K. (2007). But Is It Racial Profiling? Policing, Pretext Stops, and the Color of Suspicion. New York: LFB Scholarly, 278 pp

Withrow, B. L. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: Coon, J. K. (2007). Security Technology in U.S. Public Schools. New York: LFB Scholarly. v, 163 pp

Graff, D. R. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: Wilson, H. L. (2007). Guns, Gun Control, and Elections: The Politics and Policy of Firearms. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield. xiv, 277 pp

Primm, E. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: Long, C. N. (2006). Mapp v. Ohio: Guarding Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas. ix, 228 pp

Francis, T. I. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: Hasnas, J. (2006). Trapped: When Acting Ethically is Against the Law. Washington, DC: Cato Institute. 119 pp

Costelloe, M. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: Frost, N. A. (2006). The Punitive State: Crime, Punishment, and Imprisonment Across the United States. New York: LFB Scholarly. xi, 267 pp

Harpster, N. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: MacKenzie, D. L. (2006). What Works in Corrections: Reducing the Criminal Activities of Offenders and Delinquents. New York: Cambridge University Press. 390 pp

Cook, C. L. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: Atwell, M. W. (2007). Wretched Sisters: Examining Gender and Capital Punishment. New York: Peter Lang. 242 pp

Schauer, E. J. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: Kirsh, S. (2006). Children, Adolescents, and Media Violence: A Critical Look at the Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. 409 pp

Murray, O. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:25 PDT

Book Review: Greene, R. W., & Ablon, J. S. (2006). Treating Explosive Kids: The Collaborative Problem-Solving Approach. New York: Guilford Press. xi, 244 pp. (Hardcover)

Westman, A. S. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:26 PDT

Book Review: Dodge, K. A., Lansford, J. E., & Dishion, T. J. (Eds.). (2006). Deviant Peer Influences in Programs for Youth. New York: Guilford Press. 462 pp

Netterville, A. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:26 PDT

Book Review: Penn, E. B., Greene, H. T., & Gabbidon, S. L. (Eds.). (2006). Race and Juvenile Justice. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. 266 pp

Williams, J. L. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:26 PDT

Book Review: Umemoto, K. (2006). The Truce: Lessons From an L.A. Gang War. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. xi, 232 pp

Akiyama, C. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:26 PDT

Book Review: Walters, S. T. & Baer, J. S. (2006). Talking With College Students About Alcohol: Motivational Strategies for Reducing Abuse. New York: Guilford Press, xii, 212pp

Skaggs, S. L. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:26 PDT

Book Review: Gonzales-Day, K. (2006). Lynching in the West: 1850-1935. Durham, NC: Duke University Press. xii, 299 pp

Morn, F. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:26 PDT

Book Review: Bates, K. A., & Swan, R. S. (Eds.) (2007). Through the Eye of Katrina: Social Justice in the United States. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. xix, 420 pp

Brezina, T. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:26 PDT

Book Review: Heidensohn, F. (Ed.). (2006). Gender and Justice: New Concepts and Approaches. Devon, UK: Willan. xiv, 314 pp

Powell, R. M. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:26 PDT

Recent Legal Developments: Correctional Case Law, 2008

Robertson, J. E. — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:53:26 PDT

The Philosophical Versus Actual Adoption of Community Policing: A Case Study

Chappell, A. T. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Community policing is the operating philosophy of the majority of American police departments in the new millennium. Though most departments claim to engage in community policing, research has shown that implementation of the strategy is uneven. One way to investigate the implementation of community policing is to study patrol officer attitudes toward community policing because research has shown that attitudes are related to behavior. The present study used qualitative data to explore the extent to which patrol officers have endorsed and implemented community policing in one medium-sized agency in Florida. Furthermore, the research sought to gain insight into the organizational barriers that prevented officers from adopting community policing in their daily work. Results indicated that although most officers agreed with the philosophy of community policing, significant barriers, such as lack of resources, prevented its full implementation in this agency. Implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed.

Campus Law Enforcement Use-of-Force and Conducted Energy Devices: A National-Level Exploratory Study of Perceptions and Practices

Wolf, R., Pressler, T., Winton, M. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Although many police departments throughout the nation have been quick to incorporate the use of conducted energy devices (CEDs) within their use-of-force policies, the use of these devices on college campuses has been relatively unexamined in the literature. This article addresses campus police agency decisions regarding CEDs as a less-than-lethal force alternative. This study utilized a stratified random sample of public 4-year universities and colleges throughout the United States. Respondents answered questions pertaining to multiple variables, such as political pressure, public opinion, officer safety, liability, and funding, as factors considered when deciding whether to acquire CEDs. The results suggest that a majority of the public institutions surveyed have not acquired CEDs due to public opinion. Furthermore, the results reveal that for institutions that have issued CEDs their acquisition can be attributed to the campus law enforcement agency's concern for officer safety. Suggestions for future research are discussed.

Prosecution and Conviction Rates for Intimate Partner Violence

Garner, J. H., Maxwell, C. D. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

The prosecution of intimate partner violence is thought to be infrequent, as is the rate at which those prosecutions result in a criminal conviction. The paucity of prosecutorial and court response to intimate partner violence is considered one of the inadequacies of the justice system, an indicator of society's inattentiveness to violence against women, and another reason to question the criminal justice system's ability to successfully address violence between intimate partners. Our review of 135 English language studies leads us to challenge the widely accepted notion that prosecution and conviction for this offense are infrequent. There is great variability in the reported rates of prosecution and conviction for intimate partner violence. These studies report that, on average, about one third of the reported offenses and more than three fifths of arrests result in the filing of charges; more than half of all prosecutions result in a criminal conviction.

From the Inside: The Meaning of Probation to Probationers

Applegate, B. K., Smith, H. P., Sitren, A. H., Fariello Springer, N. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Beyond considerations of relative punitiveness, very little is known about how offenders understand the experience of serving a probation sentence. The current study surveyed offenders currently on probation to assess the extent to which they believed their sentence was rehabilitative, incapacitative, deserved, and a deterrent to future offending. Perceptions that probation served no purpose and that it represented a game of manipulation and impression management were also investigated. The results showed that most probationers believed that their sentence was a deterrent, and it was rehabilitative and deserved. They also felt that probation served multiple purposes, and a minority of respondents perceived that there was no point to being on probation. The implications of these findings are discussed.

The Importance of Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment in Shaping Turnover Intent: A Test of a Causal Model

Lambert, E., Hogan, N. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Employee turnover can have devastating effects on correctional facilities. Excessive turnover wastes recruiting and training dollars. In addition, high turnover rates may also directly affect the security of the institution as well as the safety of both staff and inmates. Thus this study surveyed correctional staff at a maximum security private prison to examine the impact of the work environment, personal characteristics, external employment opportunities, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment on turnover intent. The results of the multivariate ordinary least squares regression equations generally supported the proposed path model, and indicated age, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment directly influence turnover intent, whereas gender, job satisfaction, role conflict, role ambiguity, role overload, input into decision making, and organizational fairness indirectly affected employees' decisions to leave the job.

A Commentary on Age Segregation for Older Prisoners: Philosophical and Pragmatic Considerations for Correctional Systems

Kerbs, J. J., Jolley, J. M. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

The growing number of older prisoners in state and federal prisons has fostered an important discussion in literature regarding the potential benefits of age-segregated living arrangements for older inmates. This article begins with a brief review of the reasons for America's aging prison population. Thereafter, it uses a multidisciplinary literature review to clarify a 4-point rationale for age-segregated prisons: (a) cost savings via centralized health care for older prisoners; (b) the reduction of civil liabilities for correctional systems that centralize disability services as per requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; (c) the advancement of prisoner safety for older inmates; and (d) the promotion of rehabilitation by advancing treatment opportunities with a group that is most likely to desist from future criminal activity (in part) due to age-related desistance from crime. Conclusions focus on age segregation within the historical context of segregation in prison based on sociodemographic characteristics.

Book Review: McKee, G. R. (2006). Why Mothers Kill: A Forensic Psychologist's Casebook. New York: Oxford University Press. x, 290 pp

Brown, M. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Book Review: MacHovec, Frank. (2006). Private Investigation and Security Science: A Scientific Approach (3rd ed.). Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publishers. x, 193 pp

Sarre, R. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Book Review: Price, B. E. (2006). Merchandizing Prisoners: Who Really Pays for Prison Privatization? Westport, CT: Praeger. 187 pp

Armstrong, G. S. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Book Review: Hallett, M. (2006). Private Prisons in America: A Critical Race Perspective. Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press. xv, 188 pp

Bing, R. L. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Book Review: Noble, R. L. (2006). Black Rage in the American Prison System. New York: LFB Scholarly Publishing. xiv, 302 pp

Stucky, T. D. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Book Review: Reese, R. (2006). Prison Race. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. x, 240 pp

Winton, M. A. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Book Review: Acker, J. R., & Karp, D. R. (Eds.). (2006). Wounds That Do Not Bind: Victim-Based Perspectives on the Death Penalty. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. ix, 453 pp

English, P. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Book Review: Jordan, K. L. (2006). Violent Youth in Adult Court: The Decertification of Transferred Offenders. New York: LFB Scholarly. 270 pp

Lanham, B. D. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Book Review: Harcourt, B. (2006). Language of the Gun: Youth, Crime, and Public Policy. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. xiii, 278 pp

Briggs, L. T. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Book Review: Surette, R. (2007). Media, Crime, and Criminal Justice: Images, Realities, and Policies (3rd ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. 268 pp

Khey, D. N. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Book Review: Rafter, N. (2006). Shots in the Mirror: Crime Films and Society (2nd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. xvii, 265 pp

Castle, T. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Book Review: Lueders, B. (2006). Cry Rape: The True Story of One Woman's Harrowing Quest for Justice. Madison, WI: Terrace Press. ix, 275 pp

Jeglic, E. L. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Book Review: Rockell, B. A. (2008). Women Street Hustlers: Who They Are and How They Survive. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. 219 pp

Tewksbury, R. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Book Review: Schlesinger, L. B. (Ed.). (2007). Explorations in Criminal Psychopathology: Clinical Syndromes With Forensic Implications (2nd ed.). Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas. 375 pp

Skrapec, C. A. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Book Review: Davies, G. (2006). Crime, Neighborhood, and Public Housing. New York: LFB Scholarly. 192 pp

Guy, R. S. — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST

Publications Received

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:48:20 PST