Showing papers in "Criminal Justice and Behavior in 2017"
TL;DR: An “observer effect” is discussed that influences both officers’ and citizens’ behavior and what is interpreted as treatment diffusion between experimental and control conditions within the framework of “contagious accountability.”
Abstract: The use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) by the police is rising. One proposed effect of BWCs is reducing complaints against police, which assumes that BWCs reduce officer noncompliance with procedures,...
131 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a meta-analysis found that a small proportion of sexual offenders who are female commit sexual offenses, based on 17 samples from 12 countries, and found that women commit fewer sexual offenses than men.
Abstract: Women commit sexual offenses, but the proportion of sexual offenders who are female is subject to debates. Based on 17 samples from 12 countries, the current meta-analysis found that a small propor...
120 citations
TL;DR: The literature addressing positive public perceptions of the criminal justice system often fails to offer clear advice regarding the important constructs or the rela... as discussed by the authors, which is a critical pillar of thecriminal justice system.
Abstract: Positive public perceptions are a critical pillar of the criminal justice system, but the literature addressing them often fails to offer clear advice regarding the important constructs or the rela...
93 citations
TL;DR: In this article, efforts to expand the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) in policing are increasing despite relatively little extant research, despite the positive impacts of BWCs on reducing crime.
Abstract: Despite relatively little extant research, efforts to expand the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) in policing are increasing. Although recent research suggests positive impacts of BWCs on reducing p...
91 citations
TL;DR: The pervasiveness of risk assessment in correctional decision-making necessitates a better understanding of the nature of risk scales and the methods used to assess their accuracy as mentioned in this paper, and risk is a contin...
Abstract: The pervasiveness of risk assessment in correctional decision-making necessitates a better understanding of the nature of risk scales and the methods used to assess their accuracy. Risk is a contin...
85 citations
TL;DR: Theory and research highlight the importance of procedural justice for inculcating people's obligation to obey and willingness to cooperate with legal authorities, yet questions remain about the un....
Abstract: Theory and research highlight the importance of procedural justice for inculcating people’s obligation to obey and willingness to cooperate with legal authorities, yet questions remain about the un...
54 citations
TL;DR: This article explains one promising calibration effect size statistic (the Expected/Observed [E/O] index) and provides an illustrative example of how it can be calculated and interpreted and provides references to other studies using the E/O index to assess the calibration of offender risk scales.
Abstract: Assessing the predictive accuracy of actuarial risk assessment tools requires consideration of discrimination (the differences between recidivists and nonrecidivists) and calibration (the credibili...
44 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined whether police officer self-legitimacy moderates the effect of supervisor procedural injustice on organizational trust, using data from a sample of sheriff's deputies (N = 510).
Abstract: We examined whether police officer self-legitimacy moderates the effect of supervisor procedural injustice on organizational trust. Data from a sample of sheriff’s deputies (N = 510) were used to t...
44 citations
TL;DR: This paper examined mental health as a mediator of the victimization and offending link in women and administered structured diagnostic interviews to 491 women in urban and rural jails in four geographies.
Abstract: This study examines mental health as a mediator of the victimization and offending link in women. We administered structured diagnostic interviews to 491 women in urban and rural jails in four geog...
42 citations
TL;DR: Although the Risk-Needs-Responsivity framework has become the dominant paradigm in criminal and juvenile justice, little empirical attention has been given to the reassessment component of the mode assessment component as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Although the Risk–Needs–Responsivity framework has become the dominant paradigm in criminal and juvenile justice, little empirical attention has been given to the reassessment component of the mode...
41 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined how probation staff understand and use evidence-based practices (EBPs), supported by scientific evidence, such as validated risk and needs assessments and cognitive-behavioral therapies, and found that probation staff still make discretionary decisions regarding whom they can use EBPs with and situations in which EBP use is appropriate.
Abstract: Growing empirical research finds that a correctional system devoted to punishment is ineffective and can produce criminogenic effects. As a result, justice organizations, including probation, are encouraging managers and staff to adopt evidence-based practices (EBPs), supported by scientific evidence, such as validated risk and needs assessments and cognitive-behavioral therapies. Implementation of EBPs falls heavily on street-level workers, such as probation officers (POs) as they implement policy, yet little attention examines whether and how EBPs align within the traditionally authoritarian justice environment. Using over 1,000 hr of observation and interview data with probation staff, the present study examines how probation staff understand and use EBPs. Findings indicate that probation staff continue to make discretionary decisions regarding whom they can use EBPs with and situations in which EBP use is appropriate. Findings have significant implications for the acceptability, feasibility, and trans...
TL;DR: In this article, a conceptual model that links the internal procedura and strain theory is proposed and tested in order to link the work of procedural justice and general strain theory, as well as officer survey data from Taiwan.
Abstract: Drawing upon the work of procedural justice and general strain theory, as well as officer survey data from Taiwan, this study proposes and tests a conceptual model that links the internal procedura...
TL;DR: This article investigated relationships between working conditions (demands and experiences of aggression) and time-based, strain-based and behavior-based work-life conflict in U.K. prison officers (N = 1,682).
Abstract: Although prison officers experience working conditions associated with work–life conflict, little research has explored this issue. This study draws upon the work–home resources model to investigate relationships between working conditions (demands and experiences of aggression) and time-based, strain-based, and behavior-based work–life conflict in U.K. prison officers (N = 1,682). Associations between working conditions, work–life conflict, and emotional exhaustion were also examined. Two recovery behaviors (affective rumination and detachment) were considered as potential moderators of associations between working conditions and emotional exhaustion. High levels of all work–life conflict dimensions were found, which were related to working conditions and emotional exhaustion. Some evidence was found that higher rumination and lower detachment exacerbated the positive association between both job demands and aggression and emotional exhaustion. The implications of the findings for the well-being and prof...
TL;DR: Examination of rearrest post release from prison among a cohort sample of Indiana inmates who were screened using the OSU-TBI-ID instrument indicates that, net of control variables, those with TBI were more likely to recidivate sooner than those without TBI.
Abstract: In recent years, there has been a surge in research that examines the relationship between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and involvement in the criminal justice system. However, the bulk of this research has been largely retrospective and descriptive, comparing rates of TBI in the offending population with the rates of TBI in the general population. Although findings from these studies indicate a higher prevalence of TBI in the offending population, virtually no studies have examined whether those with TBI are more likely to recidivate. To address this gap, the present study examined rearrest post release from prison among a cohort sample of Indiana inmates who were screened using the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification (OSU-TBI-ID) instrument. Findings indicate that, net of control variables, those with TBI were more likely to recidivate sooner than those without TBI. Policy implications and directions for future research are discussed.
TL;DR: One of the untested assumptions within the prison visitation literature is that inmates receive fewer visits when visitors must travel long distances to prisons as mentioned in this paper, which is not supported by empirical evidence.
Abstract: One of the untested assumptions within the prison visitation literature is that inmates receive fewer visits when visitors must travel long distances to prisons. Measuring distance by comparing the...
TL;DR: For example, this article argued that researchers and practitioners working in corrections have shifted from a "nothing works" to a "what works" orientation, emphasizing the importance of adopting evidence.
Abstract: During the past four decades, researchers and practitioners working in corrections have shifted from a “nothing works” to a “what works” orientation. Emphasizing the importance of adopting evidence...
TL;DR: In this article, a comparison of analyses used to estimate predictive validity, across fixed (logistic regression and area under the curve receiver operating characteristic [AUC-ROC]) and variable (Cox r...
Abstract: We provide a comparison of analyses used to estimate predictive validity, across fixed (logistic regression and area under the curve receiver operating characteristic [AUC-ROC]) and variable (Cox r...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) evaluation using propensity score modeling and logistic regression.
Abstract: Returning citizens face significant barriers to reintegration after incarceration, yet evidence for the effectiveness of reentry programs is limited. A possible explanation is the lack of specificity in matching services to individuals’ unique risk and need profiles. To assess the impact of this “service–need fit” on both self-reported and official recidivism, we conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) evaluation using propensity score modeling and logistic regression. Increased fit was significantly associated with reduced recidivism for both types of outcome. We also found that fewer than half of the participants received the services they said they needed. Our findings are based on self-reported needs and services rather than clinical risk assessments. However, service–need fit appears to be an important determinant of successful reentry. Future research should focus on optimizing the combination and tailoring of services and integrating p...
TL;DR: This paper examined the predictors of post-release employment outcomes for 15,111 prisoners released from a minimum security prison in the US using multiple measures of postprison employment (finding a job, hours worked, and wages earned).
Abstract: Using multiple measures of postprison employment (finding a job, hours worked, and wages earned), we examined the predictors of postrelease employment outcomes for 15,111 prisoners released from Mi...
TL;DR: In this paper, negative employer perceptions of job candidates with psychiatric and criminal backgrounds is one factor contributing to high unemployment rates among these groups, and the current study replicated and replicated the results of the previous study.
Abstract: Negative employer perceptions of job candidates with psychiatric and criminal backgrounds is one factor contributing to high unemployment rates among these groups. The current study replicated and ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the predictive accuracy of three risk assessment approaches for intimate partner violence (IPV) among a sample of 246 male perpetrators who were charged for offenses against the same victim was examined.
Abstract: This study examines the predictive accuracy of three risk assessment approaches for intimate partner violence (IPV) among a sample of 246 male perpetrators who were charged for offenses against the...
TL;DR: Although the self-control-victimization link is now well established both theoretically and empirically within the North Atlantic circle, empirical testing of this linkage is lacking in the Far Eas as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Although the self-control–victimization link is now well established both theoretically and empirically within the North Atlantic circle, empirical testing of this linkage is lacking in the Far Eas
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined whether including dynamic risk factors increased the predictive validity of the YLS/CMI and whether changes in dynamic risk scores improved the prediction of recidivism.
Abstract: The Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) is a widely used risk assessment tool for youth offenders. It is intended to be administered regularly to capture changes in criminogenic needs and thus inform case management during a youth’s sentence. However, there is a dearth of research examining whether updated assessments are more predictive of recidivism than initial assessments. We examined whether including dynamic risk factors increased the predictive validity of the YLS/CMI and whether changes in dynamic risk scores improved the prediction of recidivism. Two hundred youth offenders were tracked from their first risk assessment conducted at probation to their most recent risk assessment completed prior to first reoffense or study end date. Inclusion of dynamic risk scores improved predictive accuracy above static risk and updated dynamic risk scores improved accuracy over those obtained from the initial assessment, supporting the utility of the YLS/CMI as a reassessment tool.
TL;DR: In this paper, an in-depth analysis of the resilience of crime scene investigators (CSIs) in the Netherlands and how they perceive and cope with daily work stressors is presented.
Abstract: This study provides an in-depth analysis of the resilience of crime scene investigators (CSIs) in the Netherlands and how they perceive and cope with daily work stressors. Observational studies wit...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compare antisocial and family-only intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators in terms of IPV recidivism rates, type of recidivitis crime, and time to recidivist.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare antisocial and family-only intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators in terms of IPV recidivism rates, type of recidivism crime, and time to recidivism. A to ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the validity and predictive accuracy of the Structured Assessment of Protective Factors for Violence Risk (SAPROF) in 94 violent and sexual violent offenders assessed in a Swiss pretrial criminal forensic context.
Abstract: Some actuarial and structured professional judgment (SPJ) risk-assessment instruments have already demonstrated their validity and predictive accuracy in expert criminal forensic evaluations. In contrast, little is known about the effectiveness of instruments identifying protective factors in risk of recidivism prediction. The present study was designed to evaluate the validity and predictive accuracy of the Structured Assessment of Protective Factors for Violence Risk (SAPROF) in 94 violent and sexual violent offenders assessed in a Swiss pretrial criminal forensic context. The SAPROF showed good interrater reliability, and was significantly correlated to predominately dynamic instruments but not to predominately actuarial instruments. However, in terms of predictive accuracy, the SAPROF did not perform as well as expected when compared with other instruments and with previous SAPROF accuracy validation studies. These results have implications for the use of the SAPROF in criminal forensic contexts risk ...
TL;DR: The authors distinguish between reactive and proactive aggression in adolescents, but there is limited knowledge regarding the application or measurement of these subtypes of aggressiveness, and there are no guidelines for measuring them.
Abstract: Research on adolescent aggression often distinguishes between reactive and proactive aggression, but there is limited knowledge regarding the application or measurement of these subtypes of aggress...
TL;DR: This article explored the association between demographic and background characteristics, as well as workplace perceptions that may predict burnout among two connected groups of people, i.e., women and men, and found that women are more likely to burnout than men.
Abstract: The purpose of this article was to explore the association between demographic and background characteristics, as well as workplace perceptions that may predict burnout among two connected groups o...
TL;DR: A prospective validation of the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) in an Australian sample of 854 family violence cases presenting to police over a 5-month period in 2015 is described in this article.
Abstract: This article describes a prospective validation of the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) in an Australian sample of 854 family violence cases presenting to police over a 5-month period in 2015. Two hundred cases met inclusion criteria for administration of the ODARA (male-to-female intimate partner violence with a history of assault and cohabitation). The ODARA performed well in predicting further intimate partner physical assault (area under the curve [AUC] = .68), and in predicting the outcome of any further police contact for nonphysical intimate partner abuse (AUC = .72). Despite these positive results, the instrument’s restrictive inclusion criteria meant that it could be appropriately applied in only 23% of family violence cases reported to police during the data collection period, limiting its practicality in this setting.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of angry and sad victim impact statements (VIS) on jury eligible participants' decisions were tested, and the results indicate that VIS are not inherently biasing, nor are all emotions equally impactful on sentencing decisions.
Abstract: The present study tested the effects of angry and sad victim impact statements (VIS) on jury eligible participants’ decisions. Death qualified participants (N = 581) watched the penalty phase of a capital trial that varied the presence and emotional content of the VIS (angry, sad, or no VIS) along with the strength of mitigating evidence (weak or strong). Results revealed that Angry VIS led to an increase in death sentences, whereas Sad VIS did not. Furthermore, participants who reported becoming angry during the trial were more likely to render a death sentence, but participants who became sad during the trial were not. No interaction was found between VIS and strength of mitigating evidence, but participants exposed to the angry VIS did rate the mitigating evidence as less important to their decisions. The results indicate that VIS are not inherently biasing, nor are all emotions equally impactful on sentencing decisions.