Improve Law Enforcement Research Articles

The role of local institutions in cooperative banks’ efficiency. The case of Italy

A large body of literature investigates various sources of bank efficiency. Nonetheless, little empirical evidence is available on the role played by institutional quality. Further, the extant research neglects the relevance of local institutions, which should be particularly important for local banks. To fill this lacuna, this paper investigates the relationship between local institutional quality and the cost-efficiency of Italian cooperative banks. Applying Stochastic Frontier Analysis to data spanning the years from 2006 to 2015, we find that better institutions – and especially control of corruption – are associated with improvements in bank cost efficiency. This evidence suggests important implications for the definition of suitable strategies aimed at controlling corruption and improving law enforcement at the local level, to decrease bank operating costs and mitigate moral hazard problems jeopardising managers’ incentives.

A Mixed Methods Social Network Analysis of San Diego Law Enforcement Task Forces and Agencies

The San Diego area has a long reputation as a highly networked, cooperative, and task force-oriented law enforcement region. Measuring and understanding how this region achieves its networked state could assist other regions in improving law enforcement functions. This article uses social network analysis to qualitatively and quantitatively map the network of law enforcement agency task forces in the San Diego County region. The analysis first provides an inventory and description of San Diego area law enforcement task forces and participating agencies, then analyzes the structure of the regional network. The analysis identified 33 law enforcement investigative task forces supported by 84 law enforcement and participating agencies in the San Diego area. These comprise a relatively dense network with a well-connected core of primarily federal and local agencies, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations being the most central federal agencies, and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Department, as well as San Diego, National City, and Chula Vista police departments as the most central local agencies. State agencies were less central but included the California Department of Justice and the California Highway Patrol in the top 10 agencies for centrality, depending on the metric. The network mapping in this article provides a baseline for a highly connected task force region that will allow future comparison with other regions and similarly situated cities along the US-Mexico border and beyond. Policy recommendations based on network theory are provided.

Tackling Environmental Crimes and Biological Threats Across Borders of the Greater Mekong Subregion

Wildlife trafficking and other commodities associated with environmental crimes traded across the borders of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) carry direct or indirect risks for biological threats. Outbreaks associated with these threats can have devasting implications for human populations as well as for farmed or native animal and plant populations. Although the links between environmental crimes and biological threats are obvious, we see two disconnected responses which limits the ability to tackle both the crime and the risks of biological threats. On one hand, there are efforts to improve law enforcement prioritisation and capability to disrupt transnational organised crime. On the other hand, we see increasing resources channelled through a One Health framework that aim to improve early warning surveillance of emerging infectious disease with a focus on diseases that can affect livestock or zoonotic diseases that can affect human health. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to explore alternative strategies, particularly the need to expand the operational definition of One Health to usher in more joined up partnerships between security sector personnel and human and animal health personnel working along borders of the GMS. This policy commentary draws on a literature review and informal stakeholder discussions conducted in preparation for on ongoing formal research project. This commentary provides policy and program considerations for improving both the enforcement of environmental crimes and early warning biological threat surveillance, preparedness and response in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Penegakan Hukum Dalam Negara Hukum Indonesia yang Demokratis

The State of Indonesia is a state of law, meaning that all citizens and administrators must comply with the applicable laws. Nevertheless, the rule of law is often violated, even by law enforcement officers and lawmakers themselves. Law enforcement in Indonesia is still sharp downwards but blunt upwards. For this reason, it is necessary to improve law enforcement. Improvement in law enforcement can be made by improving the legal system, which includes legal substance, legal structure, and legal culture. In addition, with the concept of a democratic rule of law, law enforcement is not only fixed on the written rule of law. If the written rule of law does not provide justice, then the written rule of law can deviate. Law enforcement is also supported by the emergence of progressive legal theory and integrative legal theory.

Efektivitas Penagihan Pajak Aktif dengan Surat Teguran, Surat Paksa, dan Surat Pelaksanaan Melakukan Penyitaan terhadap Penerimaan Pajak Penghasilan Pada KPP Pratama Rantau Prapat

The main and largest source of income in Indonesia today is from taxes. Taxes are used to finance government expenditures needed to increase national development and improve the welfare of citizens. In order to achieve the effectiveness and efficiency of tax collection, DGT continues to improve law enforcement through passive and active tax collection activities. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of active tax collection with a letter of reprimand, a letter of compulsion, and a letter of execution to confiscate income tax receipts at KPP Pratama Rantau Prapat. The analytical method used in this study is descriptive analysis to provide an overview of whether tax collection with a letter of reprimand, a letter of compulsion, and a letter of execution for confiscation has been effective or not. The research data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of descriptive ratios. The test results show that tax collection with letters of reprimand and letters of compulsion in 2020 and 2021 is classified as ineffective. Therefore, the Head of KPP Pratama Rantau Prapat must make various efforts both internally and externally to improve the efficiency of tax collection in his working area.
 Keywords: Effectiveness, Tax Collection, Warrant, Forced Letter, Warrant Doing Foreclosure

Efektivitas Penagihan Pajak Aktif dengan Surat Teguran, Surat Paksa, dan Surat Pelaksanaan Melakukan Penyitaan terhadap Penerimaan Pajak Penghasilan Pada KPP Pratama Rantau Prapat

The main and largest source of income in Indonesia today is from taxes. Taxes are used to finance government expenditures needed to increase national development and improve the welfare of citizens. In order to achieve the effectiveness and efficiency of tax collection, DGT continues to improve law enforcement through passive and active tax collection activities. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of active tax collection with a letter of reprimand, a letter of compulsion, and a letter of execution to confiscate income tax receipts at KPP Pratama Rantau Prapat. The analytical method used in this study is descriptive analysis to provide an overview of whether tax collection with a letter of reprimand, a letter of compulsion, and a letter of execution for confiscation has been effective or not. The research data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of descriptive ratios. The test results show that tax collection with letters of reprimand and letters of compulsion in 2020 and 2021 is classified as ineffective. Therefore, the Head of KPP Pratama Rantau Prapat must make various efforts both internally and externally to improve the efficiency of tax collection in his working area.
 Keywords: Effectiveness, Tax Collection, Warrant, Forced Letter, Warrant Doing Foreclosure

Big Data' and Data Mining' Role in Fight Against Drug Trafficking

The subject of the research is the ways of using modern Big Data and Data Mining methodologies to improve the process of lawmaking and law enforcement practice in the field of illicit trafficking of new psychoactive substances. Based on the experience of European countries and international experience in general, the author proves the need to create a methodology for early detection of the spread of new psychoactive substances that pose a significant threat to public health. This technique, according to the author, can be based on the use of methods of applied statistical analysis of the Google Trends database, which, in turn, can be used to combat drug crime in terms of detecting and predicting crimes. The practical significance of the conducted research lies in the development of a methodology for early detection of the spread of new psychoactive substances, which can be used to optimize the operational legislative response and improve law enforcement practice in the field of combating illicit drug trafficking. The scientific novelty of the conducted research consists in the creation of a predictive rule in the form of a linear regression equation that allows predicting the spread of such a new psychoactive substance as mephedrone in various regions of the Russian Federation, as well as planning operational investigative measures taking into account the identified risk zones. This study may be of interest to law enforcement officials, legal scholars, students and teachers of law schools.

Evaluation of Ongoing Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training for Law Enforcement Using the ECHO Model

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training aims to improve law enforcement officers’ (LEOs) ability to safely intervene in calls for service involving individuals with mental illness, as well as to increase LEOs’ ability to link these individuals to mental health services and divert them from the criminal justice system. However, most CIT training is delivered as a stand-alone class, and continuing education in CIT principles and best practices is limited. To address this problem, the Albuquerque Police Department, in partnership with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of New Mexico, developed CIT ECHO to provide continuing education in CIT best practices. The authors evaluated 113 weekly CIT ECHO sessions targeting LEOs in New Mexico, offered between 2017 and 2020. LEOs electronically completed a post-session survey after each didactic; additionally, a targeted follow-up survey was distributed to LEOs participating in at least three sessions. Surveys measured impact of CIT ECHO on knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitudes towards individuals with mental illness involved in the criminal justice system. After participating in CIT ECHO, LEOs reported increases in knowledge of didactic content and that they felt comfortable applying didactic content on the job. LEOs also evidenced positive attitudinal shifts towards individuals with mental illness and criminal justice involvement. Continuing education in CIT best practices appears to increase LEOs’ knowledge base and comfort in working with individuals with mental illness and criminal justice involvement, as well as results in positive attitudinal shifts towards this population.

Status and ecology of forest ungulates in the Dja Faunal Reserve, Cameroon

Abstract Ungulates have undergone major declines in Central and West African forests as a result of bushmeat trade and habitat loss. Monitoring forest ungulate status is a critical conservation need. We undertook a systematic camera-trap survey of the 5260 km2 Dja Faunal Reserve, Cameroon’s largest protected area. We deployed cameras at 305 sites in eight grids across the reserve over 28,277 camera-trap days. We recorded 30,601 independent detections of 12 species of forest ungulate. The blue and Peters’ duikers were the most abundant, accounting for 82% of all ungulate detections, both with occupancy >85% in all survey grids. The black-fronted duiker was relatively widespread but rare. The white-bellied duiker and water chevrotain were found mostly in the southern part of the reserve. There were very few detections of sitatunga, forest buffalo and bongo. Our results suggest ecological partitioning among the more abundant duikers based on activity pattern and body size. The reserve faces many pressures including illegal subsistence and commercial hunting. Community surveillance and partnerships, with improved law enforcement are among measures being implemented by the Cameroon government to enhance security and ensure retention of the reserve’s World Heritage status.

The practice of applying the norms on responsibility for sexual crimes (Articles 131-135 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation) and ways to improve it

The subject. The article reflects the progress and results of the study of the practice of applying the norms on responsibility for crimes against sexual inviolability and sexual freedom of the individual (Chapter 18 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). There are a large number of general and specific law enforcement problems that do not allow us to effectively counteract such crimes.Purpose of the study. The purpose of the study is to confirm the scientific hypothesis about the presence of systemic problems in the practice of applying the norms of Chapter 18 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, as well as to develop proposals for improving law enforcement.Methodology. The identification of law enforcement problems was carried out by analyzing published and unpublished materials of judicial practice and comparing them with the main categories and principles of criminal law. Access to the published materials was carried out through the legal reference systems and the State Automated System "Justice". Unpublished materials were obtained in the course of their own professional activities, as well as when studying the scientific works of other authors. The use of previously obtained results of their own scientific activities, the results of scientific research of modern criminologists and criminologists, as well as the study of the experience of foreign countries allowed us to formulate proposals for solving the identified problems.The main results. In the course of the study, the following systemic problems of law enforcement were identified. (1) The uncertainty of the content of other sexual actions. (2) The ambiguity of the legal assessment of the multiplicity of crimes against sexual inviolability and sexual freedom of the individual. (3) The blurring of the content and methods of committing depraved actions.These problems characterize the current state of the practice of applying the norms of Chapter 18 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.To solve these problems and improve law enforcement, the following proposals are justified and formulated.At the level of the resolution of the Plenum, it should be clarified that other actions of a sexual nature are contact forms of the perpetrator's influence on the victim's body that can satisfy sexual needs, with the exception of sexual intercourse, sodomy and lesbianism (for example, masturbation, fellatio, forced kisses, manual influence on the mammary glands or genitals and other ways of stimulating sexual arousal).On the issue of the qualification of continuing crimes, the Plenum of the Supreme Court should indicate that repeated sexual acts that form the objective side of one corpus delicti should be considered as a single continuing crime, if their commission was covered by a single intent. At the same time, such intent may be evidenced by the behavior of the perpetrator, in which he does not stop the violation of sexual freedom or sexual inviolability of a particular victim.The provisions of the resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court concerning the qualification of depraved acts should be changed, indicating that depraved acts are other sexual acts that are not covered by the dispositions of Article 134 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, and actually depraved acts committed without direct physical contact in order to satisfy sexual needs or arouse the victim's interest in sexual acts. It is also important to emphasize that the acts provided for in the note to Article 131 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation should include only other actions of a sexual nature.Conclusions. In conclusion, it should be noted that the proposals formulated to solve the identified problems of law enforcement cannot completely eliminate them. The solution to these problems should be found through legislative changes. In this activity, it seems correct to focus on the positive experience of European legislators, which provides for a more detailed differentiation of responsibility depending on the features that objectively affect the nature and degree of public danger of the act.

Legal Framework for Counter-Terrorism in Social Networks in Russia and Abroad

The article discusses measures to counter terrorist threats in social networks and instant messengers. It is emphasized that the modern form of communication using digital technologies has started to be actively used by terrorist organizations for recruiting supporters, raising funds, and preparing terrorist attacks. The article analyzes the German (Act on Improving Law Enforcement in Social Networks) and Chinese (Chinese Great Firewall) experience of introducing restrictions and prohibitions in the framework of regulating the activities of companies moderating information through applications and social networks. It is shown that implementing the requirements of the legal regime has not only a legal, but also technological aspect. The peculiarities of the Internet functioning contribute to free implementation of information, including illegal information. This circumstance significantly complicates the tasks of law enforcement agencies in countering terrorist threats.

Features of the Qualification of the Crime Under Article 184 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation on the Grounds of the Objective Party

The article deals with the issues of qualification of Article 184 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, based on the features of its objective side. The analysis of the key features of this crime in relation to the elements of official crimes is undertaken. The proposals for improving law enforcement in terms of assessing socially dangerous acts provided for in Article 184 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation are formulated. To achieve this goal, the current criminal legislation, explanations of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, as well as scientific works on the topic of the work are analyzed. The methodological basis consists of general scientific provisions of philosophy, logic and other sciences, dialectical, formal-logical, hypothetical, and linguistic methods. A special place in the study was occupied by such methods as analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction.

Процессуальная и организационная деятельность следователя при изъятии электронных носителей информации

The article is devoted to the procedural procedure for the seizure of electronic media, taking into account the general rules for the production of investigative actions. The problems of regulating the production of investigative actions, within which it is possible to seize electronic media and law enforcement practice on this issue, are subjected to a detailed study and analysis. It also formulated conclusions and proposals for amendments aimed at eliminating insufficiently clear regulation of legislation and improving law enforcement practice.
 The main goal of the scientific work is to form a correct understanding of the determination of the grounds and the procedural procedure for the seizure of electronic media of information in the course of investigative actions in compliance with the requirements of the criminal procedure law. For this, some scientific ideas on this issue have been analyzed, the provisions of the criminal procedure law in terms of general rules for the production of investigative actions and other provisions of the law related to the procedure for the seizure of electronic media have been studied in detail, law enforcement practice has been studied. We used formal logical, descriptive, comparative legal methods and the method of interpreting legal norms.
 The result of the scientific research is conclusions and proposals on the features of the seizure of electronic media in criminal cases in the field of entrepreneurial activity, on the participation of a specialist and attesting witnesses in the seizure or copying of information from electronic media.

The possibilities of blockchain technologies in the investigation of criminal offenses committed into the cyber space

The threatening trends in the digital economy have been reviewed. The role, place and significance of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies in the modern world are generalized. Emphasis is placed on the problematic issues of using cryptocurrencies as a means of payment on the Internet, which is used in illegal activities. The peculiarities of conducting transactions with cryptocurrencies carried out by criminals to finance illegal activities are considered. The directions of law enforcement activity aimed at prevention and technological blockade of illegal operations with cryptocurrencies are detailed. The achievements and accomplishments of the use of “Crystal” software are highlighted. The problematic issues of seizing and confiscating cryptocurrency funds used for criminal purposes are outlined. The principles of improving law enforcement activities in the field of investigation of criminal offenses committed in the cyber space are determined

Self Assessment System : Upaya Edukatif Badan Pengelola Keuangan dalam Meningkatkan Penerimaan Pajak Perhotelan di Aceh Tengah

Hotel tax is a promising source of Regional Original Revenue (PAD) for Central Aceh district. Central Aceh as a tourist destination area that is always crowded with tourists makes hotels always full, especially during the holiday season. Until now, the hotel and lodging business in Central Aceh is growing and continuing to grow. If managed properly, this opportunity can certainly be utilized by the Central Aceh district government in increasing hotel tax revenue. However, based on the initial data collected, there are obstacles in hotel tax collection and there are significant fluctuations in hotel tax revenue. The purpose of this study was to find out how the efforts of the Central Aceh District Financial Management Agency increased hotel tax revenue and how hotel taxes contributed to Central Aceh District PAD. This research is a qualitative research with descriptive method. Source of data in this research is primary and secondary data. This research was conducted at the Central Aceh Regency Financial Management Board, Bunda hotel and Jeddah hotel. The results of this study indicate that the "self assessment system" tax collection system implemented by the Central Aceh District Financial Management Agency is not optimal in increasing hotel tax revenues. The facts found actually hotel tax revenue fluctuated and did not reach the target. The amount of tax deposited by the taxpayer is not in accordance with what it should be. This has an impact on the contribution of hotel taxes to Central Aceh district PAD for the past five years, which is included in the very low criteria. For this reason, the Central Aceh District Financial Management Agency continues to educate taxpayers by building awareness of paying taxes according to actual conditions. In addition, the financial management agency also made improvements to the hotel tax revenue management system, improved monitoring systems and improved law enforcement for non-compliant taxpayers.

Suistainability of Small Scale Capture Fisheries in Banggai Laut Waters, Indonesia

Small scale capture fisheries is one of the leading sectors that drive the economy of Banggai Laut Regency. Fishing technology improved related to fishing efforts has an effect on the preservation of fish stocks resource in the area that it required management efforts. This study aims to determine the sustainability status of small scale fisheries in Banggai Laut Regency based on ecological, fishing technology, social and economic dimensions. The research was conducted from September to December 2017 in seven sub-districts in Banggai Laut Regency. In determining the sustainability status of each dimension, the Rapfish (Rapid Appraisal for Fisheries Sustainability) approach is used. Furthermore, in determining the attributes that had an influence on the sustainability performance of small scale capture fisheries, a leverage analysis is carried out. The results showed that the highest sustainability index was the economic dimension of 75.57 (good), the ecological dimension of 59.25 (good), and the lowest was the social dimension of 22.95 (very bad), the dimension of fishing technology was 22.62 (very bad). Remedial measures that must be taken to improve sustainability performance include improving law enforcement facilities and infrastructure at sea and empowering supervisory officers, limiting excessive use of FAD, providing subsidies to small scale fisheries, and regulating fishing areas between local fishermen and Andon fishermen.

Perceptions of wood-processing industries on FLEGT implementation: Insights from Vietnam

This paper analyses timber and wood processing companies' views on opportunities and challenges for FLEGT implementation in Vietnam based on a literature review, online surveys with 56 timber and wood processing companies, in-depth interviews with 26 stakeholders from different institutions, and a consultation workshop involving 94 participants. Our paper shows that FLEGT has received increasing attention and political support from the Government of Vietnam, which has issued new policies on sustainable forest management, forest certification and financial incentives to enable timber and wood processing companies to participate in FLEGT. The active presence of civil society organizations has helped improve forest governance, which is a key aspect of FLEGT. Perceiving FLEGT as a global market trend able to generate higher profits, timber and wood processing companies see opportunities to benefit from this timber trading initiative, and are therefore more willing to comply with FLEGT requirements. However, these companies also highlight challenges to implementing FLEGT on the ground, including unclear and inconsistent policies, weak monitoring and evaluation, high transaction costs, companies' limited access to information, unclear tenure and erratic land-use planning, and the weak capacity of household and small-scale enterprises. Effective implementation of FLEGT requires regulatory changes, improved law enforcement and translation of policies on the ground, enhanced information exchange between stakeholders, and addressing underlying problems relating to land tenure and forest governance.

Use of E-Cigarettes and Associated Factors among Youth in Thailand.

Objective:The study explored e-cigarette use among youth and associated factors in Thailand. Methods:This was a cross sectional study of 6,045 seventh grade students selected using a multistage design. Self-administered questionnaires relating to the socio-demographic characteristics, history of cigarette and e-cigarette uses, friends’ and family’s use of e-cigarettes, knowledge and perception of e-cigarette use, history of alcohol uses, and life assets were gathered. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the variables and their association with e-cigarette use. Results:Prevalence of ever e-cigarette use was 7.2% and current e-cigarette use was 3.7%. We found that current cigarette smoking (AOR 4.28, 95% CI: 2.05-8.94), parental e-cigarette use (AOR 6.08, 95% CI: 2.81-13.17), peer e-cigarette use (AOR 3.82, 95% CI: 2.19-6.65), peer approval of smoking (AOR 1.95, 95% CI: 1.11-3.41), and unaware of e-cigarettes’ risk (AOR 5.25, 95% CI: 2.67-10.34). were significantly associated with current use of e-cigarettes. Male sex, poor academic achievement, and poor life assets (power of wisdom) were only significantly associated with ever e-cigarette use. Conclusion:Prevalence of current e-cigarette use among Thai middle school students did not change significantly since the government banned importation and sales of e-cigarettes in 2015, suggesting that the Thai ban has been a success. Factors associated with e-cigarette use among Thai youth were consistent with other countries. Ever e-cigarette use, increased, but less than in countries without a ban. To strengthen efforts to prevent youth from e-cigarette use and addiction, the government should improve law enforcement, especially against online marketing and strengthen school-based anti-smoking programs to include e-cigarette lessons, educating parents and the public about the harm of e-cigarettes, including secondhand effects on non-users.

Bureaucracy Reform In Purworejo District Attorney

Bureaucratic reform is needed to make the government more efficient and effective. Purworejo District Attorney has implemented this bureaucratic reform since 2008. This study aims to describe the process of implementing Bureaucratic Reform at the Purworejo District Attorney in five aspects, institutional and organizational effectiveness, management, human resources, accountability and service. The method used is descriptive research with a qualitative approach. Interview data through interviews. The implementation of Bureaucratic Reform at the Purworejo District Prosecutor's Office was carried out in several stages, namely Phase I (2008-2009), Phase II (2010-2014), Phase III (2015-2019) and current conditions. Bureaucratic Reform at the Purworejo District Attorney has implemented the Integrity Zone to restore public trust, empower functional prosecutors to improve law enforcement, provide contact for public complaints, implement one stop sevices, use Information Technology to support their duties and functions. However, there are still some weaknesses, namely organizational organizations, organizations consisting of a combination of control functions and functions, responsible organization, and unsuitable employee placement.

Improving Law Enforcement and Indigenous Relations

On February 18, 2021, the Canadian Association for Security and Intelligence Studies (CASIS) Vancouver hosted its second digital roundtable of 2021, where Law Professor, Kent Roach from the University of Toronto presented on Improving Law Enforcement and Indigenous Relations. The presentation was followed by a question and answer period with questions from the audience and CASIS executives.