Crime Fighting Research Articles

The Role of Information and Communiication Technology Combating Crime in Nigeria in The Post Covid 19 Era: A Study of the Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Command

The study seeks to examine the impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on combating crime by the security forces in the wake of corona virus pandemic with special reference to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Within the framework of cybernetic theory, this study adopts the descriptive survey method to examine the relationship between the two variables under investigation. Multi stage sampling technique was used to draw a sample size of three hundred (300) participants for the study. Data were collected from the sampled population, and formulated hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) statistical tool. The finding of the study reveals that there is a significant relationship between the use of ICT and the effort by the police force to effectively combat crime in Nigeria. The study also discovers that the use of ICT in the fight against crime by the NPF is faced with some challenges, which includes among others; lack of infrastructure, lack of adequate training, uncooperative attitude of ICT service providers and lack of inter-agency cooperation. The paper in conclusion, recommends that the NPF should improve on the usage of ICT especially during this post COVID-19 era by providing a robust training program for her personnel on the usage of ICT in combating crime, the government should provide adequate infrastructure to enhance effective application of ICT in crime fighting and an effective collaboration between ICT service providers and the NPF in fighting crime in Nigeria.

Introduction

Introduction

PREVENTIVE POLICE MEASURES FOR THE ELDERLY IN TERMS OF THEIR PERSONAL SAFETY AS PART OF SENIOR CITIZEN POLICY IN POLAND

As societies grow older, the importance of state policies covering the problems of older people increases. Among a number of issues relating to the safety of this age group, a significant problem is the personal safety of its representatives related to threats of actions to the detriment of the elderly. The statutory duty related to public safety points to the Police as the formation in whose area of activity is the safety of citizens, including seniors. As a law enforcement agency, the police not only fight crime, but also prevent it by carrying out preventive measures. In Poland, all police territorial units carry out such activities. The aim of the article is to show the directions of social policy of the Polish state in the area of personal safety of the elderly and to indicate the special role of the police formation in preventing crimes against this group. In the practical, applied dimension, the indication of good practices in this area is aimed at familiarizing interested institutions and people with preventive activities conducted by the Police in Poland. In the research process, the analysis of available projects and prevention programs concerning the safety of the elderly in Poland and the literature on the subject were used.

Risk and Governance Strategies: China's Big Data Policing in the Context of Marxian Alienation Theory

Big data technology has been deeply integrated into all areas of society and has had a profound impact on all areas. Big data technology has also brought a series of impacts, some even disruptive to the justice sector. In judicial activities, police departments in various countries are using big data technology extensively in two functions: crime prevention and crime fighting. In crime prevention, big data technology is mainly used to predict where crimes are likely to be committed and the subjects or victims of the crimes that are likely to be committed. In crime fighting, big data technology can help the police quickly identify or analyse a range of information relating to a suspect, including socioeconomic, interpersonal and object relationships. However, some risks of alienation may also arise in the process of police crime prevention and crime fighting. This paper attempts to apply the unique perspective of Marx's alienation theory, focusing on the fascinating Eastern country, to firstly analyse in depth a series of alienation risks that may arise from the use of big data technology analysis in Chinese policing activities, and then, on this basis, propose a few targeted governance strategies accordingly, to provide useful experiences for scholars studying big data policing activities and those concerned with big data applications in Chinese policing activities.

Mixing and segregation: a cross sectional study of violent and safe spaces for Palestinians in Israel

BackgroundThe role of residential segregation and spatial separation of population groups along racial or ethnic lines is well documented as a factor contributing to health disparities, such as rates of homicide and crime in African Americans. Most of the two million Palestinian citizens in Israel live in segregated, exclusively Palestinian towns, whereas approximately 132 000 live in mixed Jewish Palestinian cities that were Palestinian cities before the Palestinian exodus, in 1948, when most inhabitants were expelled, turning the Palestinians who remained into a minority. Despite having higher employment rates, Palestinians in so-called mixed cities live in enclaves with higher poverty, poorer educational facilities, and more intracommunal crime than Palestinian communities in segregated towns. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of trust in the Israeli government and in police commitment in crime fighting among Palestinian citizens in Israel in different towns. MethodsData were collected in 2018 using a stratified multistage random sample of 2040 households (n=7985 adults). A scale was computed measuring reports on trust in the government and in the police's commitment in curbing crime (Cronbach's α=0·92). Bivariate analyses were done to test for significant associations between the dependent variable of trust in police or government and associated factors. Binary logistic regression was done to check for confounders. The Galilee Society Ethics Committee approved the study. FindingsParticipants living in mixed cities were more likely to report high levels of violence in their communities (OR 4·3, P=0·001) and were less likely to trust the police or the government in curbing crime (odds ratio [OR] 0·32 [95% CI 0·19–0·54]; p<0·05) than participants in segregated towns. Compared with participants older than 35 years, younger people were more likely to trust the police or government (1·39 [1·12–1·72]; p<0·05). Muslims were less likely to trust the police or government than Druze and Christians (0·51 [0·35–0·75]; p<0·05). Those living in communities unrecognised by the Israeli government were less likely to trust the police or government than those living in recognised communities (0·33 [0·22–0·49]; p<0·05). Those living in large towns (ie, with more than 15 000 inhabitants) and medium-sized towns (with populations of 5000–15 000) were less likely to trust the police or the government (OR 0·47 [95% CI 0·34–0·66]; p<0·05 for inhabitants of large towns and 0·65 [0·46–0·91]; p<0·05 for inhabitants of medium-sized towns) than people living in small-size towns (ie, with less than 5000 inhabitants). Those unable to cover daily expenses were less likely to trust the police or the government to control crime than those who could cover daily expenses (OR 0·68 [95% CI 0·55–0·85]; p<0·05). Other variables were not significant. InterpretationPalestinians living in mixed cities view their environment as more violent and have less trust in the government or police's commitment to fight crime. A pattern of urban segregation with urban violence and breakage of social cohesion that is spatially expressed as urban enclaves or so-called purified localities has been used to describe the Palestinian lived experience in mixed cities, and might contribute to worse public health effects than completely segregated Palestinian towns. The lived experience of mixed and segregated livelihood for Palestinian citizens in Israel is substantially different from that of African Americans in the USA, and requires further research. Because violence, crime, and homicide are important public health problems, every effort should be made to measure the prevalence of crime in various communities and uncover its underlying causes so that crime can be effectively reduced. FundingThe research was funded by the Galilee Society and the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.

Detectives and technological frames: integrating technology and social media into everyday work

ABSTRACT Technology and social media have increasingly transformed contemporary policing. Yet, scarce research explores how detectives view and use technology and social media in their everyday work. This study of a mid-sized American police department fills this gap in research by exploring how technological frames inform how detectives use technology and social media. First, detectives view technology and social media as tools, yet acknowledge the barriers inherent to using them (i.e. time-consuming). Therefore, the task at hand will determine to what extent detectives use technology. Second, detectives embrace the use of technology and social media and use it more than just in their role as a crime fighter, as their job calls for them to handle a variety of tasks: (1) prioritising suicide threats; (2) acting as a school resource officer; and (3) conducting prostitution stings. I argue that technological frames can contribute to officers overcoming barriers inherent with using technology and social media and encourage proactive policing activities. The findings from this study bring about several practical and policy implications for police departments including how to adapt to technological barriers.

The Urgency of Returning Assets Proceeds of Corruption in State Financial Recovery

Return expected state losses capable of covering the state budget deficit to cover the inability of the state to finance various aspect need based on Law No. 11 of 2009 concerning People's Welfare. Return state assets are approach in fight crime whose presence started in 1980-1988, which then applied to the type more crime-wide with incorporated into Organized Crime in 2000. Mechanism return assets are also considered urgent because who did business return on asset results corruption, and it turns out that his business often meets any obstacle. Obstacles that are then looking for road exit with arranging problem return asset. The inner country takes finance consequence act criminal corruption based on more evidence-strong, that asset the suspected originated from perpetrator act criminal corruption or used for perpetrator act criminal corruption in areas that are growing in general many stored in centres financial, this is an agenda for the Indonesian state for true, true croak all the money in the areas small whatever value. With thereby eradication act criminal corruption also pays attention interest people, beside eradicate act criminal corruption must also notice return state finances as consequence deed that because corruption always concerning state finances. Based on what is important, the study about urgency return asset results acts criminal corruption. Destination search asset is for knowing existence and type hidden assets from results act criminal, which will be used for replacement loss to the state, whose information originated among others from Financial Services Provider, Center for Transaction Reports and Analysis Finance (PPATK), Research Results Academics and NGOs, Disputes in Courts, Commissions Eradication Corruption (KPK), and others.

Working-Class Comic Book Heroes: Class Conflict and Populist Politics in Comics

Working-Class Comic Book Heroes: Class Conflict and Populist Politics in Comics

Corona XLVII – flash

Corona XLVII – flash

Too Many Hats? The Role of Police Officers in Drug Enforcement and the Community

Abstract Research on police attitudes and opinions about drugs and drug enforcement is particularly relevant amidst current critiques of policing that put their role into question. The aim of this qualitative study is to examine the role of police officers in providing public health and social support to the community and people who use drugs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 police officers working across British Columbia, Canada. Interviews were analysed thematically. We discuss two main themes: (1) the roles of police officers and (2) role strain among officers. The findings show that officers have multiple roles or wear multiple ‘hats’, including the crime fighter, the helper, the health responder, and the administrator. Collectively, wearing ‘too many hats’ caused role strain as well as tense relations with the community. Findings highlight the importance of establishing clear role definitions and expectations for police, as well as providing resources to address public health and social service needs for the community.

Эталон научного анализа преступности (к 100-летию Семена Самуиловича Овчинского)

Semyon Samuilovich Ovchinsky (1922–1993) had his 100-years anniversary in 2022. He was a distinguished Soviet and Russian scientist, professor and doctor of law. This article is prepared based on S.S. Ovchinsky biography information that is contained in the preface to the book «Operational investigative information» (2019). The author of the article cites the information about outstanding contribution of S.S. Ovchinsky in the entire complex of legal disciplines that are aimed at the crime fighting and crime prevention. These disciplines are criminology, criminalistics, administrative law, criminal law and criminal procedure. The author describes the process of creation by the scientist of operational and investigative activities and the basics of its information support. The article mentions the contents of three books that were published after the death of their author but that continue to influence modern scientific life. The article emphasizes the innovative nature of the S.S. Ovchinsky works that were ahead of time and that stay relevant nowadays. These works represent a solid theoretical foundation for creating information-search, information-analytical, information-identification and the most promising information-diagnostic systems of the new generation.

“Bang!”: ShotSpotter Gunshot Detection Technology, Predictive Policing, and Measuring Terry’s Reach

ShotSpotter technology is a rapid identification and response system used in ninety American cities that is designed to detect gunshots and dispatch police. ShotSpotter is one of many powerful surveillance tools used by local police departments to purportedly help fight crime, but they often do so at the expense of infringing upon privacy rights and civil liberties. This Article expands the conversation about ShotSpotter technology considerably by examining the adjacent Fourth Amendment issues emanating from its use. For example, law enforcement increasingly relies on ShotSpotter to create reasonable suspicion where it does not exist. In practice, the use of ShotSpotter increases the frequency of police interactions, which also increases the risk of Black Americans becoming the victims of police brutality or harassment. Such racialized policing facilitates the status quo of violence and bias against Black Americans. This Article uses recent cases from the D.C., the Fourth, and Seventh Circuits as a foundation to argue that officers arriving on the scene to investigate a gunshot sound they were alerted of via ShotSpotter technology should not be allowed to use the gunshot sound as the basis of reasonable suspicion and subsequent search and seizure. At the heart of this Article is the argument that the use of ShotSpotter technology is unconstitutional under City of Indianapolis v. Edmond because it is not used for a specific law enforcement purpose beyond preventing crime generally. Under the reasoning and result of Edmond, law enforcement is prohibited from using ShotSpotters unless officers have reasons for individualized suspicion. Spending more money on ineffective ShotSpotters placed in “high crime” neighborhoods across America is not the answer to reducing gun violence. As seen with Oakland’s successful Ceasefire program, there are innovative ways to simultaneously build trust in communities and curb gun violence. Indeed, properly designed group violence reduction strategies will foster and maintain dignity for participants in a program tailored to saves lives and promote community healing.

Examining the relationship between the unique work experiences and cultural orientations of police officers

ABSTRACT The current study builds upon limited prior research that has assessed the relationship between elements of police culture and a host of unique officer work experiences (e.g. tenure, assigned shift and area, the number of shifts and areas worked, supervisory experience, specialized unit assignment). The sample consists of survey data from over 700 officers from a large police department in the western United States. The results demonstrated that while officers’ assigned shift and area had little effect, a number of other experiences were influential. Officers who had worked a greater number of shifts in their career were more likely to view policing as dangerous; and patrol officers were more likely to view management negatively. Further, specialized unit officers were less likely to view citizens negatively and less oriented toward order-maintenance or community policing than their patrol counterparts. Importantly, experience as measured simply by the number of years on the job, as opposed to other unique work experiences, showed that more senior officers were less likely to view citizens negatively and believe crime fighting should be a top priority, but more likely to view top management through a negative lens. We conclude by reviewing several implications and directions for future research.

Ghosts, Holes, Rips and Scrapes: Shakespeare in 1619; Bibliography in the Longue Durée. Zachary Lesser. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2021. Pp. x+198.

<i>Ghosts, Holes, Rips and Scrapes: Shakespeare in 1619; Bibliography in the Longue Durée</i>. Zachary Lesser. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2021. Pp. x+198.

Michael S. Sherry, The Punitive Turn in American Life: How the United States Learned to Fight Crime Like a War

Michael S. Sherry, <i>The Punitive Turn in American Life: How the United States Learned to Fight Crime Like a War</i>

Determinants, principles and perspectives of cooperation between the polish fi nancial supervision authority and the police in economic security and prevention of economic crime — a quest for synergies

The Polish Financial Supervision Authority (hereinafter: KNF) is the key element of the economic security system of the Polish State. By establishing the KNF, the Polish legislator applied the concept of integratedfi nancial supervision (covering bank supervision, insurance supervision and capital market supervision) located outside the central bank. The KNF has been vested with a broad mandate, including powers to supervise authorised entities. However, the scope and nature of measures available to the KNF in the prevention of economic crime are determined by the institutional position of the KNF, which has not been established as a law enforcement authority or a uniformed or special service but rather an institution engaged in the fi ght against economic crime by providing expertise, supporting other state services specialised in this area. The KNF and the Offi ce of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (hereinafter: UKNF) actively support, among others, the police units that fi ght crime in the fi nancial market and work to increase the economic security of the Polish State. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure broad and effi cient cooperation between the police and the KNF. However, such collaboration must not be limited to relations between the institutions’ management; it should also involve, as far as possible, working and operational activities carried out at both institutions by individuals responsible for day-to-day tasks. This paper provides a closer perspective on the formal and organisational framework of said cooperation and discusses its examples.

Transfer of Self-Leadership Skills Within the Dutch Police: a Three-Wave Study

This three-wave study examined the training-to-work transfer process of a self-leadership skills training programme for crime scene investigators working for the Dutch police force. The transfer process is complex and depends on numerous factors. Two important steps forward are taken in the present study. First, we take into account all transfer steps in one study to gain insights into the transfer process, and second, by being specific about the work situation in which transfer outcomes should occur, we address the “criterion problem” that is often mentioned in transfer research. Based on the Ability Motivation Opportunity model, we hypothesised that the posttraining transfer process starts with being motivated to transfer and that this motivation increases the use of self-leadership during work. Another aspect that may facilitate the use of trained skills is supervisor support, as it offers opportunities to use self-leadership skills during work. In turn, self-leadership skills at work were hypothesised to lead to increased work performance. We tested our transfer model in two different work situations experienced by crime fighters. Our findings show that the use of self-leadership skills is positively related to the detached concern of crime fighters in specific situations. Additionally, our findings show that the use of self-leadership skills mediates the relation between the motivation to transfer and work performance in specific situations. Finally, our findings show that including different transfer steps (i.e. the motivation to transfer, use of skills, and performance), different performance measures, and different work situations in the transfer process provides more insight into when and how transfer-to-work after training occurs. These findings suggest that if organisations aspire to improve such transfer, then they should be specific about the intended posttraining behaviours and performance and the situations in which these outcomes should emerge.

The external dimension of the EU's fight against transnational crime: Transferring political rationalities of crime control

AbstractThe article constitutes the first comprehensive review of the EU's export of crime control policies and ‘aid to internal security’ across regions over the last 15 years. Drawing on both International Relations and criminology, it develops an analytical framework to identify the political rationalities and technologies of crime control that the EU attempts to transfer across the Eastern and Southern (extended) neighbourhoods. By scrutinising 216 projects aimed at combating transnational crime beyond Europe's borders, spanning law enforcement, border security, criminal justice, and the penitentiary sector, the empirical analysis is geared towards detecting and systematising the ways of thinking and doing crime control that the EU seeks to promote and export. Moreover, it investigates the ‘action at a distance’ whereby it does so. It is argued that in shaping third countries’ ability to criminalise, police, indict, convict, and punish, the EU is simultaneously defining its own security actorness, specifically consolidating its role as a ‘global crime fighter’.

If crime is not the problem, crime fighting is no solution: policing gang violence in the age of abolition

PurposeIn their 1999 classic, Crime is Not the Problem, Zimring and Hawkins changed the way criminologists thought about crime and violence simply by forcing us to distinguish between them. In so doing, they advanced an agenda for a more effective response to the real “crime” problem in America – violence. In this short commentary, the authors apply this logic to gang research and responses. The authors argue police fall short in responding to “gangs” because researchers and policymakers have defined them in terms of criminal behaviour writ large, not the problem that really needs policing – the precise social and spatial dynamics of gang violence. The purpose of this paper is to stand on the shoulders of others who have stated violence trumps gangs when it comes to policy and practice and provide a conceptual review of the literature that captures mainstream and critical perspectives on gangs and offers both sides some common ground to start from as they contemplate “policing” gangs with or without police.Design/methodology/approachA review of the extant literature.FindingsThe authors stand on the shoulders of others who have stated violence trumps gangs when it comes to policy and practice, to provide a conceptual review of the literature that captures mainstream and critical perspectives on gangs, in North American and European contexts, and offers both sides some common ground to start from as they contemplate “policing” gangs with or without police.Originality/valueThe paper is a conceptual piece looking at policing gang violence versus gang crime. The paper aims to restart the debate around the role of crime in gangs and gangs in crime. This debate centres around whether gangs should be understood as primarily criminal groups, whether “the gang” is to blame for the crime and violence of its members and what feature of collective crime and violence designate “gangness”. We use that debate to reflect past and current police practices towards gangs.

The Punitive Turn in American Life: How the United States Learned to Fight Crime Like a War. By Michael S. Sherry

<i>The Punitive Turn in American Life: How the United States Learned to Fight Crime Like a War</i>. By Michael S. Sherry