Law Enforcement Capacity Research Articles

Evaluating the Effectiveness of South Africa’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act in Reducing Gender-Based Violence in Cape Town

This study evaluates the effectiveness of South Africa’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA) in reducing gender-based violence in Cape Town. The research examines the key provisions and objectives of the PDVA, its impact on reported cases of domestic violence, and the roles of law enforcement and community organizations in its implementation. Despite increased reporting and awareness following the Act’s introduction, significant challenges remain, including resource limitations, training gaps, and societal attitudes that hinder effective enforcement. The study identifies gaps in public awareness and societal support as critical barriers to the PDVA’s success, suggesting that legal reform alone is insufficient without broader social and institutional changes. Recommendations are made to enhance law enforcement capacity, improve community support mechanisms, and strengthen public education initiatives to achieve a more comprehensive and effective response to domestic violence.

Digital Evidence Tracing in the Investigation of Identity Theft in the E-Commerce Era

This research analyzes the application of regulations in prosecuting cyber crime in identity theft on e-commerce platforms in Indonesia. This study uses normative juridical research methods. This research considers various relevant laws, such as the Information and Electronic Transactions Law (UU ITE), the Criminal Code (KUHP), the Copyright Law, the Telecommunications Law, the Company Documents Law, and the Money Laundering Crime Law. Analysis shows that this law provides a strong legal basis for law enforcement to take action against cybercriminals and impose appropriate criminal sanctions. Apart from that, the law regulates electronic evidence, strengthening the investigation process against perpetrators. However, prosecuting cybercrime cases of identity theft on e-commerce platforms often experiences obstacles, especially in arresting suspects and confiscating evidence. This is due to the characteristics of digital crimes which are often complex and difficult to trace, as well as the lack of adequate capabilities and resources on the part of law enforcement in handling these types of cases. Greater efforts are needed to increase law enforcement capacity, as well as closer cooperation between authorities and e-commerce platform providers to increase the effectiveness of law enforcement in dealing with cybercrime

Legal Protection of Intellectual Property Rights in the Digital Era

This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive-analytical methods to examine the legal protection of intellectual property rights (HMI) in the digital era. The research results show that the legal protection of HMI in the digital era still faces various significant challenges. Even though regulations such as Law Number 28 of 2014 concerning Copyright and Law Number 11 of 2008 concerning Information and Electronic Transactions (ITE) exist, their implementation could be more effective. The leading causes are a need for more public knowledge and awareness about the importance of HMI, as well as limited law enforcement resources and technology. Collaboration between the government and digital platforms needs to be improved, while international cooperation is also crucial in dealing with cross-border HMI violations. This research recommends increasing public education and awareness, strengthening regulations, adopting advanced technology such as AI, closer cooperation with digital platforms, increasing law enforcement capacity and resources, and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms. With a more holistic and integrated approach, HMI protection in the digital era can be significantly improved, providing justice for rights owners and encouraging the development of a healthier and more innovative creative industry.

Tougher Evidence-Based Policy Does Matter: Deterring Illegal Fishing in the Arafura and Timor Seas

Illegal fishing has been a significant threat to sustainable capture fishing all around the world with no exception to fish stocks in the Arafura and Timor Seas (ATS). Although the ATS countries have different law enforcement abilities and capacities, they share a common goal to combat illegal fishing, especially illegal fishing crimes. In adopting strategic and effective policy to combat illegal fishing the countries need a solid information base to evaluate previous data to develop evidence-based policies. This research developed an updated formula to estimate the avoided volume and value losses from illegal fishing in the ATS countries from 2016 to 2019 to support effective policy development. The data shows how each country has different rates and types of illegal fishing. Thus, with the derived formulas, the ATS countries have been able to adopt evidence-based policy in combatting illegal fishing in accordance with the need of the countries’ current situation. The ATS countries can now evaluate and adjust their policy from time to time to ensure sustainable fishing in ATS with the intention that the improved policies can lead to more effective enforcement of the fishing laws to combat and reduce illegal fishing.

Cloth Clues : Exploring Forensic Secrets Through Maharashtra’s Rich Fabric Heritage

The present study explores the textile heritage of Maharashtra, with particular attention on the differences in textile use throughout the state's five main regions: Konkan, Vidarbha, Marathwada, Khandesh, and North Maharashtra. Through the use of surveys, in-person interviews, and data analysis, it investigates how environmental conditions, cultural traditions, and societal norms impact fabric choices in each place. The study underscores the cultural importance of traditional attire in Maharashtra and emphasizes how it promotes community cohesion, historical celebration, and cultural identity preservation. The elaborate Vidarbha kurtas and the colourful Konkan sarees, Maharashtra's traditional clothing reflects the region's cultural geography. The main goal of the study is to examine how environmental factors influence fabric preferences in each of the state's regions. For example, the Konkan's humid coastal climate is ideal for lightweight textiles like silk and cotton, but Vidarbha and North Maharashtra's colder climates demand the usage of warmer materials like wollen cloths.Further investigation into regional variations in fabric use entails a look at weaving methods, style trends, and cultural practices. Every area is proud of its unique textile heritage, which displays the artistic customs and skill of its people. Examples are the elaborate Kasuti needlework of Konkan and the silk Paithani sarees of Marathwada.The results of this study will also have a big impact on Maharashtra's methods for investigating crimes and analyzing evidence. Law enforcement officials can more effectively connect evidence to particular places, towns, or people by knowing the fabric selections and cultural customs that are particular to each area. For example, discovering a unique weaving technique or old object at a crime scene can provide important details about the criminal's upbringing or place of origin. Moreover, knowing how fabrics are used differently across different regions can help identify the origins of materials used in illicit operations like counterfeiting and smuggling to sum up, this research offers insightful information on Maharashtra's textile history and how it relates to crime analysis and investigation. This improves law enforcement's capacity and fosters a greater awareness of the state's cultural variety.

THE ISSUE OF LEGALIZING CANNABIS: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE STUDENT’S PUBLIC DISCOURSE

Introduction: The objective of the present work is to analyze in a multidimensional view, Albania's Law No. 61/2023 on Cannabis legalization for its legal, applicability mechanisms, and economic challenges, assessing the readiness of the country, clarity, and impact on drug control. Method: The method of this study is quasi-experimental, and it is divided into two phases. The current study sample is two hundred students, of whom 120 (60%) were from the Faculty of Law and 80 (40%) from the University of Medical Sciences. The initial retrospective study (T1) was employed to identify the gaps in the legal education of law and assess the legislation’s stance. Five months later (T2) Medical Cannabis Juridical Education; Law enforcement capacities; and Social and Psychological impact identified as the key gaps were evaluated. Results: The students enrolled in the Law and Pharmacy program showed an improved understanding of the socio-psychological ramifications associated with the law implementation in Albania (t1 = 2; 7; t2 = 3.76; p < 0.001). Regressive results revealed an influence of Judicial and Psychoeducational training on the students' public opinion with an R-value model summary of 0,706 (70%). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that the legalization of Cannabis in Albania is a significant challenge for the country and continued follow-up and public training would increase public awareness and assertiveness toward the Law.

Preventing poaching in marine protected areas: A crime script analysis to inform interventions

Ubiquitous poaching poses a persistent challenge to marine protected areas (MPAs) management. The global consensus to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 has heightened the importance of effective MPA management. However, the law enforcement capacity for open-access common pool issues is frequently constrained. There remains an ongoing imperative to expand the knowledge on how to combat poaching. Drawing from environmental criminology approaches, this paper illustrates crime scripts of documented poaching cases in Taiwan's MPAs over the past decade to detail crime commission process and develops prevention strategies. We identify that poachers were often involved shore-based diving, shoreline handpicking and poaching by boats during clear summer evenings in easily accessible MPAs. To prevent marine poaching, suggested key interventions include managing access and exists, controlling fishing equipment, rationally deploying patrolling capacity and natural surveillance measures, creating traceable seafood supply chains, and increasing public vigilance and awareness. Environmental criminology approaches make poaching predictable and enable the precise allocation of law enforcement resources at a certain level. To further improve effectiveness of prevention strategies, we highlight the need to periodically review crime scripts and associated policies when new cases are identified. In addition, incorporating techniques from the best practices in MPA management into prevention strategies can also enhance the effectiveness of environmental criminology approaches in MPA poaching. This paper can inform the development of interventions and enhancing the management of MPAs toward global objectives.

New National and International Processes of Human Dimensions of the Environmental Rights

Due to activities such as illegal deforestation, production of chemicals and plastics, exploitation of fossil fuels, and other large-scale extractive activities, businesses operating in the global economy routinely compromise human rights to have a healthy, clean, and sustainable environment. This human right was recognized by the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2021 and it includes fundamental rights related to clean air, safe climate, access to safe water and adequate sanitation, healthy and sustainable food production, informal environments for living and working, studying and playing, and biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem. By jeopardizing this human right related to nature, life, health, livelihood, and sustainable development, business activists threaten the life prospects of billions of people. The most vulnerable beneficiaries affected by commercial activities such as children, women, indigenous peoples, local communities, farmers, people with disabilities, and especially those whose identity exists in multiple vulnerable groups usually face the most difficult barriers, including financial, language, information barriers, social labeling associated with human rights violations, lack of access to legal representation, and corruption of law enforcement officials, to adopt effective solutions. When victims in countries with limited law enforcement and economic capacity face corruption and other weaknesses in the rule of law, and when justice must be served through transnational legal actions that are beyond the capacity of most human rights victims, solutions effectively are particularly elusive.

Chhattisgarh's Perspective on Investigating Cybercrime: Challenges and Solutions

Chhattisgarh is not an exception to the ubiquitous effects of cybercrime, which has become a global problem. Cybercriminals take advantage of weaknesses as digital technologies develop, providing particular difficulties for Chhattisgarh's law enforcement organisations and authorities. In order to boost cybersecurity measures and improve law enforcement capacities, this research study addresses the specific difficulties the state faces in pursuing cybercrime. The study examines case studies, evaluates current cybersecurity activities, and provides thorough recommendations while also analysing the current cybercrime scenario. Chhattisgarh can successfully fight cybercrime and establish a safer online environment by comprehending and tackling these issues.

Open Season: The Targets of Dobbs

ABSTRACT Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization took the unprecedented step of revoking a constitutional right that citizens had relied upon for half a century. The opinion created a legal chaos with no clear answers to medical crises. It also targets victims who are particularly vulnerable due to financial, medical, or legal constraints. This article examines what groups have become legal targets in the wake of Dobbs, including medically compromised patients, the intellectually disabled, immigrants, and doctors. Also discussed are those who cause abortion but have not been targeted by Dobbs (such as biological fathers and criminals who commit acts of rape or incest). A discussion of who is doing the targeting examines officials acting in a law enforcement capacity and “civilians” who have financial incentives to target vulnerable victims. Recommendations are made for effective abortion policy.

HACKING AS A CHALLENGE FOR CHANGE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF CYBER LAW IN INDONESIA

This research explores the legal provisions for hacking as a cyber crime in Indonesia with a focus on the legal framework for hacking, criminal acts of hacking, and the challenges faced in dealing with changes and developments in cyber law. Indonesia's hacking legal framework, which primarily consists of the Information and Electronic Transactions Law (UU ITE), creates an important legal foundation for dealing with hacking. However, there are shortcomings in legal provisions that must be updated regularly to keep up with technological developments and increasingly sophisticated hacking tactics. This research aims to analyze the legal provisions that regulate hacking as a cyber crime in Indonesia. This includes an understanding of relevant legislation, the implementation of the law, as well as the obstacles faced in law enforcement related to hacking. This research uses normative legal research methods. By understanding the legal framework for hacking, criminal acts of hacking, and the challenges of changing cyber law in Indonesia, this research aims to provide deeper insight into how this country faces the threat of hacking in an increasingly complex digital era. With ongoing improvements in the legal framework, increased law enforcement capacity, and better public awareness, Indonesia can be more effective in protecting its society and digital infrastructure from the threat of cybercrime.

THE FREEDOM OF OPINION EXPRESSION THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE IMPACT OF ACTS OF DEFAMATION TO THE PERPETRATOR

<p>This study aims to conduct a juridical review of Article 27 Paragraph (3) of Law Number 11 of 2008 concerning Information and Electronic Transactions relating to freedom of expression and acts of defamation through social media. This study uses a normative legal research method with a literature study approach. The effectiveness of Article 27 Paragraph (3) of Law Number 11 of 2008 in protecting freedom of opinion and overcoming acts of defamation through social media is still limited. Some of the obstacles faced include unclear regulations, limited law enforcement capacity in dealing with cases of defamation on social media, and problems in gathering legal and acceptable electronic evidence in court. Several recommendations to increase the effectiveness of Article 27 Paragraph (3) in overcoming acts of defamation through social media are; further clarification regarding the provisions of Article 27 Paragraph (3) ITE so can be interpreted clearly and do not leave room for different interpretations, increasing the capacity of law enforcement, regulations regarding the collection of electronic evidence that is valid and admissible in court needs to be clarified, wider outreach to the public regarding the risks and legal consequences of acts of defamation through social media and periodic evaluation of the implementation of Article 27 Paragraph (3) of ITE in dealing with defamation cases through social media. Therefore, continuous efforts are needed to increase understanding, awareness, and law enforcement regarding Article 27 Paragraph (3) in overcoming acts of defamation through social media so that freedom of expression can be exercised in a balanced way by avoiding actions that violate the law</p>

Law Enforcement Strategies for Transnational Money Laundering Corruption Crimes in Criminal Law Reform in Indonesia

Objective: The goals of this research are to analyze and formulate law enforcement strategies in overcoming money laundering cases resulting from transnational corruption in Indonesia. Transnational corruption and money laundering are important issues that can weaken the economic and social structure of a country, including Indonesia. These crimes create complex networks that exacerbate corruption problems, undermine state legitimacy and facilitate other illegal practices. Method: This study uses a normative juridical approach, namely legal research that aims to find principles, norms or das sollen. The main data sources are primary and secondary legal materials in the form of regulations and literature relevant to the research topic. Result: This research shows that law enforcement strategies against money laundering proceeds from transnational corruption in Indonesia should involve four main elements: law and regulatory reform, law enforcement capacity building, increased international cooperation, and greater public participation Conclusion: The contribution of this research and par can provide recommendations to various stakeholders and eradicate this criminal act, despite challenges in implementation, this strategy is important to increase the effectiveness of law enforcement and encourage better governance.

Sports Forensic: Academic and Practical Approaches

Abstract Sports forensic is a very niche segment of knowledge and activity encompassing sports, audit, legislation, chemistry and police investigation. The purpose of this article is to have a transdisciplinary approach encompassing on one hand academic frameworks of analysis and on the other qualified judgement of professional bodies and authorities. Outside its law enforcement capacity, evidence gathered by police in an attempt to find non-coercive solutions, can serve as advancements in the field of sports. The perspective of this article is an education one, identifying causes, effects as well as providing insights for prevention and anti-corruption programmes. Also, organisational risks are zoomed-in via annual reports and their subsequent non-financial reporting. Mapping out and better understanding scale and stimuli of corruption in sports while acting can play a disruptive role in other criminal activities. International cooperation and identifying best practices are a key aspect in guiding whistle-blowers as well as making sports forensic a more established filed of research, for better competitions.

Enhancing Legal Protection for Digital Transactions: Addressing Fraudulent QRIS System in Indonesia

This study examined the legal safeguards necessary to combat fraudulent QRIS systems in digital transactions, focusing on the imperative need to protect consumers who are often more vulnerable than business entities in the digital transaction process. Employing a normative legal research methodology, the study utilized a legislative approach and concept analysis to deliver its findings. The study revealed that preventive legal protection, manifesting as increased public awareness and understanding of the QRIS system, its use, and associated criminal potentials, is essential. Repressive legal protection should be implemented by enhancing the capacity and infrastructure of law enforcement agencies. In cases of internal issues with the QRIS system, the liability of the system's creator or issuer must be clearly defined. The electronic system's execution can be managed by the electronic system provider or delegated to e-business agent operators, underlined by good faith, transparency, accountability, fairness, and prudence. This research underscores the importance of extensive public socialization and training on the use and risks of the QRIS system, providing implications for bolstering consumer protection laws, enhancing law enforcement capacity and infrastructure, and refining electronic transaction regulations in Indonesia.
 
 
 
 Highlights:
 
 The vulnerability of consumers in digital transactions necessitates robust legal safeguards, particularly regarding the use of the QRIS system.
 Both preventive (educational) and repressive (enforcement) legal protections are vital to combat fraudulent digital transactions and enhance consumer confidence.
 Enhancing law enforcement capabilities and infrastructure, as well as clearly defining the liability of QRIS system issuers, is imperative for maintaining the integrity of digital transactions.
 
 Keywords: Legal protection, digital transactions, fraudulent QRIS, consumer protection, law enforcement capacity.
 
 

Transfer of Land Rights through Court Decisions: Juridical Implications and Challenges in Implementation

This study aims to examine and analyze the juridical implications of land rights transfers through court decisions and identify the challenges and obstacles encountered in transferring them. This study uses normative legal research with conceptual, case, and comparative approaches. The collected legal material is then qualitatively analyzed to describe the problem and answer study purposes. The results show that the dispute resolution of land rights transfers through inkracht court decisions can provide legal certainty and positive impacts for the disputing parties. However, some negative effects need to be anticipated and managed effectively. Furthermore, challenges and obstacles are faced when executing land rights transfers based on inkracht court decisions, necessitating efforts to improve the court decision enforcement system. Improving the court decision enforcement system involves the active participation of the government, law enforcement, land agencies, and parties involved in land rights transfer disputes. Therefore, it is recommended that parties involved in land rights transfer disputes consider the negative impacts of inkracht court decisions by collaborating with law enforcement. Through good cooperation and coordination among agencies and enhanced law enforcement capacity, it is hoped that the land rights dispute resolution system transfer can create legal certainty and promote the economic value growth of disputed land, ultimately impacting the productivity and welfare of the surrounding community.

Understanding the illicit drug distribution in England: a data-centric approach to the County Lines Model.

The County Lines Model (CLM) is a relatively new illicit drugs distribution method found in Great Britain. The CLM has brought modern slavery and public health issues, while challenging the law-enforcement capacity to act, as coordination between different local police forces is necessary. Our objective is to understand the territorial logic behind the line operators when establishing a connection between two places. We use three different spatial models (gravity, radiation and retail models), as each one of them understands flow from place i to j in a different way. Using public data from the Metropolitan Police of London, we train and cross-validate the models to understand which of the different physical and socio-demographic variables are considered when establishing a connection. We analyse hospital admissions by drugs, disposable household income, police presence and knife crime events, in addition to the population of a particular place and the distance and travel times between two different locations. Our results show that knife crime events and hospital admissions by misuse of drugs are the most important variables. We also find that London operators distribute to the territory known as the 'south' of England, as negligible presence of them is observed outside of it.

Drivers and facilitators of the illegal killing of elephants across 64 African sites.

Ivory poaching continues to threaten African elephants. We (1) used criminology theory and literature evidence to generate hypotheses about factors that may drive, facilitate or motivate poaching, (2) identified datasets representing these factors, and (3) tested those factors with strong hypotheses and sufficient data quality for empirical associations with poaching. We advance on previous analyses of correlates of elephant poaching by using additional poaching data and leveraging new datasets for previously untested explanatory variables. Using data on 10 286 illegally killed elephants detected at 64 sites in 30 African countries (2002-2020), we found strong evidence to support the hypotheses that the illegal killing of elephants is associated with poor national governance, low law enforcement capacity, low household wealth and health, and global elephant ivory prices. Forest elephant populations suffered higher rates of illegal killing than savannah elephants. We found only weak evidence that armed conflicts may increase the illegal killing of elephants, and no evidence for effects of site accessibility, vegetation density, elephant population density, precipitation or site area. Results suggest that addressing wider systemic challenges of human development, corruption and consumer demand would help reduce poaching, corroborating broader work highlighting these more ultimate drivers of the global illegal wildlife trade.

International Cooperation to Combat Cross-Border Telecom Fraud Crimes: an Examination of Cooperation between China and Myanmar

In response to the increasingly rampant transnational Telecom fraud crimes between China and Myanmar, China and Myanmar have launched wide-ranging law enforcement cooperation on the basis of existing international cooperation mechanisms and have achieved remarkable results. However, on the one hand, the complex social situation in Myanmar has resulted in discrepancy in law enforcement capacity between China and Myanmar. On the other hand, the mechanism of law enforcement cooperation between China and Myanmar is not yet developed. Moreover, the judicial cooperation is still in a state of absence. These factors have brought challenges to China and Myanmar in combating cross-border crimes. China and Myanmar should seize the opportunity of jointly combating Telecom fraud crimes to deepen the international cooperation in the field of nontraditional security.

Bystander reporting to prevent violent extremism and targeted violence: learning from practitioners

ABSTRACT The willingness of friends or family to share concerns about an ‘intimate’ preparing to perpetrate public, mass violence, such as violent extremism or targeted violence, is considered a possible part of preventative strategies. To understand what is needed to help intimate bystanders share information on potential acts of violent extremism or targeted violence, we conducted 25 semi-structured qualitative interviews with experts in intimate bystander reporting, including law enforcement, social service and mental health providers, faith-based leaders, staff in school threat assessment programs, and community practitioners in California and Illinois. Results showed reporting was impeded by multiple factors, including lack of knowledge about violent extremism and reporting processes, fear of being incorrect, difficulty distinguishing between violent extremism and mental illness, low trust in law enforcement, and lack of standardized reporting processes. Practitioners said reporting could be improved by several interventions, including increasing awareness about reporting processes, improving reporting methods and policies, training community members who can take reports, and increasing trust between community members and law enforcement. Improving bystander reporting for targeted violence and violent extremism in the U.S. requires collaboratively strengthening law enforcement and community capacities based on sound theory, best practices, and monitoring and evaluation.