Does paternal criminal legal system involvement increase children's risk of child protective services contact? Evidence from Wisconsin linked administrative data.

People and communities in Vancouver, British Columbia (BC) have been profoundly impacted by the toxic drug crisis, which has driven a province-wide public health emergency since 2016. In 2023, BC implemented a "Decriminalization Pilot," which temporarily removed criminal sanctions for the possession of small amounts of certain substances. In May 2024, the Decriminalization Pilot was amended to exclude its application in almost any urban outdoor space; a reform colloquially referred to as "Recriminalization." This study sought to address gaps in understanding how law enforcement practices towards people who use criminalized drugs may have changed during the Decriminalization Pilot and subsequent Recriminalization periods. We undertook a community-based, qualitative study. We conducted 21 interviews with people who use criminalized drugs and who interacted with law enforcement in Vancouver between January and May 2025. We employed combined reflexive thematic and interpretative phenomenological analyses. We derived five main themes: 1) confusion over the Decriminalization Pilot; 2) selective enforcement and pervasiveness of policing; 3) police interference with overdose response and other public health interventions; 4) seizures of belongings, including government-supplied resources; and 5) displacement from public space. Our findings illustrate how harmful law enforcement practices that target people who use criminalized drugs, particularly those relying on public spaces for survival, persisted during the evolving drug policy periods. Together, these law enforcement practices along with the lack of understanding regarding the shifting Decriminalization Pilot, may have undermined the potential success of a policy dedicated to decriminalizing drug possession in BC.

Strengthening capacity building in developing countries for effective maritime law enforcement: Current practices, challenges, and future outlook

Understanding traffic law enforcement perceptions of autonomous vehicles: Insights from Chinese cities with operational robotaxi fleets through hypothesis testing and machine learning

On the law enforcement of marine protected areas under the BBNJ agreement

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was launched in July 2022 as an alternative to 911 for mental health crises. However, little is known about the factors influencing decisions to use 911 or 988 among individuals most likely to benefit from 988, including those with suicidal ideation. This study analyzes individual characteristics associated with the likelihood of calling 911 during a mental health crisis and examines awareness of, willingness to use, and concerns about 988. An anonymous online survey was conducted in early 2024 with 1,894 U.S. adults aged 18-50, oversampling racial minorities. Logistic regression models were estimated for four dichotomized outcomes: likelihood of calling 911 in a mental health crisis, awareness of 988, willingness to use 988, and concerns about 988. Independent variables included demographic characteristics, mental health indicators, perceived stigma, and financial stress. Overall, 53.9% of respondents reported they would call 911 in a mental health crisis, and 22.2% of respondents had heard of 988. After receiving basic information, 71.5% expressed willingness to use 988. However, 87.1% reported at least one concern, and individuals with suicidal ideation were much less likely to express willingness to use 988. Commonly endorsed concerns included law enforcement involvement, forced hospitalization, and service fees. Perceived stigma and financial stress were strongly associated with a higher likelihood of expressing concern. Although many individuals expressed willingness to use 988 when informed, widespread concerns may limit uptake. Our findings suggest that targeted outreach and accurate information could promote greater utilization.

This paper details the first successful use of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) in Europe, which was applied to identify a double murder perpetrator in a 16-year-old unsolved case. By integrating advanced SNP typing with genetic genealogy methods, conclusive leads were generated beyond the reach of conventional forensic approaches. By using this case as an illustrative example, we describe how FIGG can expand the forensic toolkit, reshape investigative as well as forensic strategies, and enable resolution in long-standing unsolved cases. We also reflect on how this case highlights the need to balance technical progress in forensic genetics with legal, social, and ethical aspects. Finally, we outline the journey initiated with this successful pilot case to the structured implementation of FIGG as an operational tool within the Swedish Law Enforcement.

The legal basis and boundaries of unilateral law enforcement in disputed maritime areas

Bureaucratic reform within the Indonesian National Police (Polri) is a crucial agenda aimed at building a professional, accountable, and adaptive law enforcement institution. However, the success of this reform is not solely determined by structural changes, but also by internal dynamics involving human resource (HR) development, organizational climate, performance transparency, and integrative discipline. This study aims to analyze the interplay of these four dimensions in strengthening the implementation of Polri’s bureaucratic reform. Using a qualitative approach through a literature review, this research critically examines academic journal articles, institutional policies, and relevant studies published within the past ten years. The findings indicate that competency-based HR development plays a significant role in enhancing professional capacity among police personnel. A supportive organizational climate fosters collaboration, open communication, and trust within the institution. Performance transparency reinforces public accountability and reduces opportunities for misconduct, while integrative discipline ensures consistent ethical behavior as the foundation of institutional integrity. The synthesis of literature reveals that Polri’s bureaucratic reform can only be effective when these four factors are managed simultaneously and integrated cohesively. This study contributes theoretically to the field of police management and provides practical recommendations for strengthening governance within the Polri Presisi reform framework.

State responsibility and non-state actors in maritime law enforcement: A comparative analysis concerning the South China Sea

As facial recognition technology (FRT) becomes increasingly embedded in policing, concerns and controversies over the lack of consent, misidentification, and mass surveillance grow. This Comment compares how the European Union (EU) and Washington State (Washington) regulate law enforcement’s use of FRT to mitigate risks to individual rights. The EU governs FRT use through a robust legal framework, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Law Enforcement Directive (LED), and the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), which offer protections against these risks. In contrast, Washington’s pioneering statute, Wash. Rev. Code section 43.386, promotes transparency and limits the use of FRT. However, the statute does not provide enforceable rights, as it focuses more on internal oversight than on granting individuals direct remedies. This comparative analysis concludes that while both frameworks attempt to balance government convenience with civil liberties, the EU’s rights-centered model likely provides stronger protections. Accordingly, United States jurisdictions ought to adopt protections modeled on the EU’s rights-based framework to safeguard civil liberties against the risks posed by FRT more effectively.

Discussion on the legal certainty of covernotes issued by notaries related to the non-fulfillment of the contents of the covernote in supporting the credit granting process by banks. The method used in this study is a normative juridical research type, namely library legal research or secondary data with primary, secondary and tertiary legal materials. The results of the study The legal certainty of covernotes issued by notaries related to the non-fulfillment of the contents of the covernote in supporting the bank credit granting process is only administrative and does not have the power as an authentic deed. However, legal certainty can still be realized through clarity of the limits of the notary's authority and responsibility, the application of the principle of prudence by banks, and the availability of law enforcement mechanisms through civil, administrative, and criminal channels in the event of negligence or error.

Over 48 000 people were killed by firearms in the US in 2022. Evidence suggests minimal prehospital intervention and rapid transport to definitive care reduce mortality. Police vehicles typically arrive before ambulances and could enable immediate transport. Since police face firearm injuries as an occupational hazard, their transport practices may inform civilian care, yet these practices remain unstudied. We identified law enforcement personnel wounded by firearms using the Gun Violence Archive. We then conducted a case-by-case analysis of news reports, investigation documents, and media and body camera video footage to determine how each officer was transported from the scene. We focused on cities with at least 10 injured officers between April 2018 and April 2024, totalling 574 officers in 27 cities. Our final sample included 18 cities where we confirmed transport mode for at least 70% of cases, yielding 335 cases. Among 335 wounded officers, 35 were transported by means other than police or ambulance. Of the remaining 300, 44% were transported by police vehicle versus 56% by ambulance, with substantial variation across cities. In contrast, police rarely transport civilian gunshot victims, despite written procedures in several cities allowing this practice. Police transport practices reveal differences in prehospital care for police versus civilians. Reforming prehospital policies may be a significant opportunity to save lives after gun violence. Evidence-based changes can be implemented now; new, rigorous research is urgently needed to evaluate police transport as a life-saving option for both police and civilians.

This study examined the dynamics of conflict between artisanal small-scale miners and local communities in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, Zimbabwe. It used a convergent mixed-methods approach. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires, and observations. The findings revealed significant conflict between largely unregulated artisanal miners and residents in Matobo. Communities believe the miners are damaging the environment and creating security issues, and they are accused of theft, robbery, sexual assault, and other crimes. The miners contend they earn a decent living and support local livelihoods. This is supported by income data showing that small-scale miners earn substantially from mining activities. Another major source of conflict is the encroachment of miners into the Matobo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site of cultural and spiritual importance to the communities. The conflict is intensified by weak policy enforcement and corruption within law enforcement, particularly involving artisanal miners. The study concludes that the ongoing conflict reflects a struggle for survival among groups with competing interests. There is a need to improve policies on shared land use and promote peaceful coexistence among communities.

This paper examined the historical progression of criminology and its impact on the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, focusing on the challenges and possible solutions to enhance the system. The study utilizes a dialectical review method utilizing qualitative research design, within the Social Disorganization Theory. It delves into early criminological theories, such as the theological explanations, the classical school of thought, biological theories, psychological theories, and crime in primitive societies, tracing their effects on contemporary criminology. The research also addresses the development of criminology in Nigeria, the contributions of criminology to societal advancement, and the obstacles faced by the Nigerian criminal justice framework. The results indicate that criminology has greatly aided society by elucidating human behavior, advocating for justice, and promoting social order. Nonetheless, Nigeria's criminal justice system encounters several issues, including corruption, insufficient recruitment in law enforcement, and a lack of public confidence. To tackle these challenges, the study suggests improving accountability, boosting funding and resources, implementing community-based programs, and reinforcing anti-corruption agencies. By embracing these suggestions, Nigeria's justice system can become fairer and more effective, ultimately fostering justice and safety for its citizens.

This study examines the protection of international humanitarian law for child victims of sexual violence in Sudan's armed conflict, particularly in the context of the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023. Using normative legal research methods with legislative, conceptual, and comparative approaches, this study analyzes applicable international legal instruments, international criminal tribunal jurisprudence, and available law enforcement mechanisms. The results of the study show two main findings. First, the normative framework of international humanitarian law including the 1998 Rome Statute, the 1949 Geneva Convention, the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the UN Security Council Resolutions have provided a juridically adequate legal basis for establishing criminal accountability against RSF perpetrators through the ICC mechanism based on the referral jurisdiction of Resolution 1593 (2005), as reinforced by the precedent of the Ali Kushayb ruling (October 2025). Second, effective protection for child victims of sexual violence faces serious implementation gaps due to four structural barriers: state non-cooperation in the execution of arrest warrants, limitations of UN Security Council mechanisms, barriers to proof on the ground, and the inadequacy of Sudan's national justice system. The study concludes that the continued impunity is not a reflection of the inadequacy of legal norms, but rather a failure of the political will of the international community to implement them consistently.

Wildlife crime poses a severe threat to biodiversity conservation, ecological integrity, and sustainable development, particularly in biodiverse developing countries. In Uganda, protected areas such as Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) continue to experience persistent wildlife crimes, including poaching, illegal fishing, habitat encroachment, and wildlife trafficking, despite the presence of robust legal and institutional frameworks. Prosecution of wildlife offenders is widely recognised as a central deterrence mechanism and a key pillar of environmental justice and conservation governance. Yet the persistence of these crimes raises critical concerns about the effectiveness of existing prosecution processes. This study assessed the effectiveness of wildlife crime prosecution in QENP, with particular attention to legal, institutional, and operational determinants of enforcement outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining structured questionnaires administered to wildlife officers, community members, and law enforcement personnel with key informant interviews involving prosecutors, magistrates, park wardens, and conservation officials. These data were complemented by a systematic review of wildlife legislation, prosecution records, and policy documents. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were examined thematically. The findings indicate that prosecution effectiveness is undermined by weak investigations, poor evidence management, limited technical and financial capacity, corruption, and judicial delays, resulting in low conviction rates and weak deterrence. Nonetheless, opportunities exist through strengthened legal frameworks, inter-agency coordination, community-based intelligence, judicial reforms, and support from conservation partners. The study underscores the need to enhance investigative capacity, professionalise prosecutorial practices, and institutionalise coordinated enforcement mechanisms to improve wildlife crime prosecution and conservation outcomes in QENP

Abstract In November 2018, the Appellate Court in Iceland sentenced a Greenlander to 19 years in prison for murder and drug smuggling. The drug smuggling part of its judgment includes complex questions regarding coastal state jurisdiction in the Exclusive Economic Zone ( EEZ ) of Iceland concerning law enforcement actions by the Icelandic police against a Greenlandic fishing vessel and its crew. The judgment stated that the main legislation on Icelandic maritime jurisdiction did not provide a legal basis for the arrest in question. The lack of legal basis, however, did not impact the case’s outcome. This article critically examines the Court’s reasoning and its implications for law enforcement at sea. The analysis reveals a troubling conclusion: the Icelandic authorities’ actions were not only inconsistent with national law but also in violation of international legal principles. This case serves as a striking example of the legal complexities surrounding maritime enforcement and the troubles courts are faced when addressing such issues.

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of seizure-related deaths in people with epilepsy. Despite evidence that SUDEP counseling does not cause stress, improves treatment adherence, and empowers people with epilepsy and their caregivers, it remains underdiscussed. This study aimed to explore the in-depth perspectives of parents who have lost a child to SUDEP, focusing on their experiences, grief, and coping strategies, while factoring in their demographics, the clinical features of their deceased children, and their previous awareness of SUDEP, all aspects that have not been systematically investigated before. This qualitative phenomenological study involved in-depth semistructured interviews with 51 parents of 43 children who died of SUDEP. Transcripts were analyzed using immersion/crystallization qualitative methodology with Dedoose software, using an iterative consensus-building process. Thematic analysis revealed common perspectives, grief narratives, coping strategies, and perceived needs among parents after their child's SUDEP. Of the 51 participating parents (mean age 54.1 ± 9.4 years, 71% female), 27 reported being unaware of SUDEP before it occurred, whereas 24 reported previous awareness of it. These groups shared similar demographics and clinical characteristics. However, "unaware" parents expressed more intense trauma and prolonged maladaptive grief, characterized by guilt, extreme anger, and medical distrust. By contrast, "aware" parents described mitigated trauma, with less guilt- and anger-ridden grief, and reduced reliance on specialized support groups. Previous SUDEP awareness provided emotional preparation, buffering the devastating reality and fostering agency and acceptance. Another theme highlighted the struggles parents faced immediately after SUDEP, particularly with law enforcement and treating physicians. Unanimously, parents emphasized the paramount importance of counseling about the known relationship between epilepsy and SUDEP. Previous awareness of SUDEP (or lack thereof) has complex and far-reaching effects on the subsequent parental perceived trauma, grief, and coping processes. Furthermore, emergency responders, official personnel, and treating physicians may mishandle the aftermath of SUDEP. This study's findings strongly advocate for a paradigm shift in SUDEP-related practices across multiple disciplines, including legislation. Emphasis should be placed on increasing proactive SUDEP counseling to mitigate the traumatic effect and subsequent grieving process when SUDEP occurs.

Substance abuse among secondary school learners has emerged as a critical challenge confronting educators in rural South African contexts, yet the voices and experiences of teachers navigating this complex phenomenon remain underexplored in scholarly literature. This qualitative study investigates the multifaceted challenges teachers encounter when working with learners who abuse substances at School A Secondary School in Thohoyandou (pseudonym), Limpopo Province. Through semi-structured interviews with five educators, the research reveals a disturbing landscape characterised by classroom disruptions, aggressive learner behaviour, emotional exhaustion among teaching staff, and systemic gaps in professional support structures. The findings illuminate how substances such as cannabis, chove, nyaupe, and alcohol, among others, profoundly compromise the teaching-learning environment, whilst teachers themselves, lacking specialised training in addiction counselling, struggle to balance disciplinary responsibilities with pastoral care obligations. Peer pressure, familial dysfunction, and easy accessibility to drugs near school premises emerged as primary drivers of substance abuse, compounded by parental denial and weak community oversight. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive intervention frameworks that incorporate professional counsellors, law enforcement collaboration, parental engagement programmes, and sustained teacher capacity-building initiatives. By foregrounding teachers' authentic narratives, this research contributes empirically grounded insights that challenge current educational policies whilst offering practical recommendations for creating safer, more supportive learning environments in resource-constrained rural contexts.