Community Safety Research Articles

Integrating hydrological parameters in wildfire risk assessment: a machine learning approach for mapping wildfire probability

Abstract The increasing occurrence of catastrophic wildfire across the globe threatens public health, community safety, ecosystem functioning, and biodiversity resilience. Wildfire risk is closely connected to shifting climatic trends and their impacts on fuel availability and flammability. Although previous research has explored the connection between meteorological conditions and wildfire probabilities, there remains a substantial gap in understanding the influence of hydrologic drivers, such as groundwater recharge, on wildfire dynamics. Both short- and long-term variations in these variables are crucial in shaping fuel conditions, and significant changes can create environments more prone to severe wildfires. This study focuses on Santa Barbara County to examine the connection between wildfire probability and various environmental factors, including meteorological and hydrological data from 1994 to 2021, topography, vegetation, and proximity to road. Using a random forest (RF) machine learning model and fine-scale data (270 m resolution) we achieved high predictive accuracy in identifying wildfire probability. Our findings confirm the important roles of short-term meteorological conditions, such as mean precipitation 12 months and relative humidity 1 month before a wildfire event, in predicting wildfire occurrence. In addition, our results emphasize the critical contribution of long-term hydrological components, such as mean deviation from the historical normal in actual evapotranspiration and recharge in the years preceding the fire, in influencing wildfire probability. Partial dependence plots from our RF model revealed that both positive and negative deviations of these hydrological variables can increase the likelihood of wildfire by controlling fuel water availability and productivity. These findings are particularly relevant given the increasing extreme weather patterns in southern California, significantly affecting water availability and fuel conditions. This study provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between wildfire occurrence and hydrometeorological conditions. Additionally, the resulting wildfire probability map, can aid in identifying high-risk areas, contributing to enhanced mitigation planning and prevention strategies.

Factors affecting outdoor physical activity (OPA) in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AimThe outdoor physical activity (OPA) of children and adolescents in the "Z" era decreased sharply compared with the previous generation, and the purpose of this study is to explore the factors that influence children and adolescents’ participation in OPA. MethodFor this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Eric, PsycArtical, PsycINFO, Pubmed, Pubmed, Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science Core Collection, CNKI, and the search ending date was March 20, 2024.The quality of the evidence was assessed with the crosssectional study tool (Appraisal tool for Cro-SS-Sectional Studies, AXIS).Employing meta-analysis to evaluate the strength of evidence for the influencing factors. ResultsResults show that, in the dimension of basic demographic characteristics, parents' educational level and family income are significant factors affecting children and adolescents' participation in OPA. In the dimension of family characteristics, parents' attitudes towards their children and adolescents' participation in OPA, as well as their encouragement and support, are significant factors influencing participation, but the factor of parents' attitudes is unstable. In the dimension of perceived social environment, perceived community cohesion, community safety, and peer support are significant factors affecting children and adolescents’ participation in OPA, but the factors of community safety and peer support are unstable. In the dimension of the physical environment, access to activity facilities is the only significant influencing factor. SuggestionThe factors affecting the participation of children and adolescents in OPA are relatively complex. It is suggested to consider building child-friendly communities from many aspects to increase OPA for children and adolescents to enhance their physical health and mental health.

Lies my child welfare system has told me: The critical importance of centering families' voices in family policing legal advocacy

AbstractThe web of law, regulation and policy which forms the modern day “child welfare” system is organized around one central unifying principle: the notion that these laws, regulations and policies are necessary to protect and save children. Yet an ever‐growing and overwhelming chorus of “lived experts” – individuals who have been impacted as a parent and/or child by what is more aptly called the family policing system – as well as by advocates and scholars, are drawing attention to the degree of harm the system causes to the families it purports to help. Even though the harms the family policing system causes are well known, the family policing system continues to justify these harms as warranted in the name of protecting children. More concerning, even well‐meaning advocates and scholars who acknowledge the harms, implicitly and explicitly continue to perpetuate the big lie that the family policing system's intention is benevolent and caring. The impetus for any law is a story; law identifies a problem and seeks to resolve it. But what happens when the story is false? The stories we tell about the need for family policing perpetuate harm and replicate systemic racism. Most importantly, the impact of these false narratives can be felt through generations of families leaving devastated communities. The stories, perspectives and opinions of those most impacted by the system historically have been, and continue to be, intentionally left out of the making of law and policy, and even in the teaching of the law. Unless the actual perspectives of families are present to challenge the stories that are woven into the law, these narratives will continue to create significant obstacles to critical thought about the law, prevent meaningful legal change, and ultimately cause continued harm to families and communities. In this essay, in the tradition of participatory law scholarship (Note: Rachel Lopez, Participatory Law Scholarship, 123 Colum. L. Rev. 1795 (2023) [“Participatory Law Scholarship or (PLS)… is an emerging genre of legal scholarship written in collaboration with authors… who have no formal training in the law but rather expertise in its function and dysfunction through lived experience.”]), the authors, a parent and professional advocate, and a clinical law professor and attorney, seek to unpack the myths which are built into the laws of family policing. In reckoning with these myths, the paper seeks to propose a critical framework to both acknowledge the intentional trauma and harm caused by the family policing system, and to disrupt and dismantle the fictions that are the underpinnings of the laws and regulations that continue to perpetuate these harms. Ultimately, this paper argues that by centering the lived expertise of families' voices and perspectives in legal advocacy, we can form a cogent vision for true safety for families and communities.

COMMUNITY POLICING AND CRIME PREVENTION IN NIGERIA

Community policing has emerged as a promising strategy for crime prevention and enhancing public safety around the world and in Nigeria. This is due to the difficult task of conventional policing, especially where the community is not actively involved in crime prevention. It has been realized that safety in any given community requires an investment not only of money, but also time and talent, and that sometimes the best solutions are found in understanding the underlying causes of crime and disorder. Nigeria is one of the countries in the world that has embraced the idea of community policing with great enthusiasm for about two decades ago. Consequently, Nigeria, has introduced several policy measures with the main aim of encouraging the community to take up some responsibility for their safety and security of their environment. Drawing on empirical research and case studies, this paper examines the key principles, approaches and challenges of implementing community policing initiatives, to highlight the significance and impact of collaboration between local communities and law enforcement agencies on crime prevention, trust-building and social cohesion in Nigerian communities. The paper also emphasizes the importance of capacity building, sustainable funding, and institutional support in strengthening the effectiveness of community policing in Nigeria.

Transgender Latinas' Perspectives on HIV PrEP Uptake, Condom Use, and Medically Supervised Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy: Insights From ChiCAS Qualitative Interviews.

There is a dearth of HIV prevention behavioral interventions for transgender Latinas, despite this population's HIV risk. ChiCAS (Chicas Creando Acceso a la Salud) is an intervention to increase PrEP, condom, and gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) use among transgender Latinas. To inform future work, semistructured interviews were conducted postintervention with 28 ChiCAS participants. Thematic analysis with inductive coding was used. Six themes emerged: (1) health-related priorities include sexual health and avoiding discrimination; (2) safe and collaborative community is of high importance; (3) interactive education with time for sharing stories and discussion was valued; (4) PrEP uptake was facilitated through awareness and health care navigation; (5) accessing GAHT depends on cost, clinic location, and individual goals; (6) ChiCAS could be improved with more PrEP/GAHT details and social connection. Interventions with goals similar to those of ChiCAS should prioritize building community, PrEP and GAHT education tailored to participants' needs, and emphasize health care options available locally.

S1800 Morbidity and Mortality of Cirrhotic Patients on Apixaban and Rivaroxaban in a Community Safety Net Hospital

S1800 Morbidity and Mortality of Cirrhotic Patients on Apixaban and Rivaroxaban in a Community Safety Net Hospital

Intrapersonal, Cultural, and Community Assets among Puerto Rican Hurricane Maria Survivors: A Latent Profile Analysis

In September 2017, Hurricane Maria decimated Puerto Rico and resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, the destruction of thousands of homes, and the mass migration of hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans to the U.S. mainland. Because of these events, Puerto Rican Hurricane Maria survivors on the U.S. mainland are at risk for depressive symptomatology. The purpose of this study was to examine sources of protection against depressive symptoms in this population, with a focus on identifying protective assets and how such assets are differentially distributed across subsets of survivors. A sample of 319 Puerto Rican Hurricane Maria survivors ( Mage = 38.5 years, 77% women) completed surveys of intrapersonal, cultural, and community assets, as well as a measure of depressive symptoms. Results showed that optimism and religiosity at the intrapersonal level, and collective efficacy and community safety at the community level, emerged as significant protective assets against depression. Results from a latent profile analysis revealed four classes of survivors based on their degree and type of protection: High Protection, Safe Community, Moderate Protection, and Low Protection. The High Protection class reported fewer depressive symptoms compared with the Moderate and Low Protection classes but reported similar levels of depressive symptoms as the Safe Community class. Findings suggest that intrapersonal cognitive factors, and community efficacy and safety factors may represent salient assets among hurricane survivors on the U.S. mainland. Findings also illustrate that subsets of Puerto Rican Hurricane Maria survivors vary in their degree and type of protective assets.

사회약자층 안전도 제고방안 : 민간-경찰 협력시스템을 중심으로

The issue of vulnerable populations in South Korea has been a longstanding concern, with various attempts made to address it over the years. However, these efforts have not yielded satisfactory outcomes. On the contrary, the problem has intensified quantitatively and qualitatively, becoming a more entrenched social issue. The lack of visible progress can be attributed to the structural problems of the national economy. At the same time, there is a limitation in the fragmented approach of addressing the issues of vulnerable populations solely from an economic perspective. The category of vulnerable populations includes not only those facing economic challenges but also socially and culturally marginalized groups, as well as individuals with illnesses or disabilities who are unable to lead lives within the normal range of society on their own. These groups are being perpetuated and expanded under the neglect of the state and society. Thus, resolving the issues faced by vulnerable populations must focus on enhancing social safety measures to improve their quality of life. To achieve this, it is essential to establish a safety system tailored to each type of vulnerable population and create an environment where this system can operate effectively. Specifically, this involves setting up dedicated departments within police forces, strengthening patrol functions for identifying and detecting vulnerable groups, and building a civil-police cooperation safety system. In addition, there should be continuous training of specialized personnel to care for these populations, along with the establishment of support systems to assist them. Fundamentally, the need to enhance the cohesion among disbanded community members is to ensure a comprehensive community safety net.

Urban Trees and Perceived Neighborhood Safety: Neighborhood Upkeep Matters

The perception of safety significantly influences choices in outdoor activities, profoundly impacting overall well-being. While previous studies have highlighted urban trees’ potential to reduce crime rates, the link between urban trees and perceived safety remains uncertain. This study investigates the relationship between urban trees and safety perception in Austin, Texas, USA, with a specific focus on the moderating role of neighborhood cleanliness and environmental justice considerations. Using multinomial logistic regression models, our analysis reveals a positive association between urban tree canopy coverage and safety perception, with a significant interaction between tree canopies and neighborhood cleanliness, further enhancing the sense of safety. Furthermore, we identified an optimal threshold of tree canopy that maximizes this effect. This highlights the crucial role of well-maintained urban green spaces, particularly tree canopies, in bolstering perceived safety. Such insights hold significance for evidence-based urban planning and community development, fostering well-being and safety for all residents.

The impact of surveillance cameras and community safety activities on crime prevention: Evidence from Kakogawa City, Japan

While surveillance cameras are widely used for crime prevention in living environments, the interplay between such physical measures and community safety activities remains less understood. This study is grounded in Kakogawa city in Japan, which was once noted for a high crime rate and is now one of the most-surveilled cities in the nation. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess public attitudes towards local security, surveillance cameras and community safety activities among 116 citizens, with data analysed through both quantitative (ANOVA, t-test, and Pearson correlation) and qualitative (Kawakita-Jiro method) approaches. The study reveals a high level of safety perception, with both physical and social measures contributing. The acceptance of cameras is notably high and scarcely affected by demographics or personal experiences, largely due to local government's efforts to build collective trust. While the current level of community participation is insufficient, citizens perceive safety activities as irreplaceable by surveillance cameras, indicating that both should be concurrently promoted to enhance crime prevention initiatives. This study provides insights into the non-substitutable relationship between physical and social prevention measures and offers policy recommendations, including emphasising public involvement in implementing security devices and promoting the publicity of localised safety activities.

Study on the construction and application of a community emergency capacity evaluation model based on a combined weighting-discrete Hopfield neural network

To accurately evaluate community emergency capability and solve the problems with the existing index system, which has been declared unreasonable with respect to components, unclear in meaning and unreliable in terms of empowerment results caused by a single algorithm, a triangle model of community safety and resilience is introduced to construct an emergency capability index system suitable for communities with frequent geological disasters in Yunnan Province. Additionally, a combined empowerment model is constructed to improve the accuracy of the empowerment results. First, according to the relevant information and the results of expert consultations and field investigations, the index system is determined. Second, three weighting methods, the G1-entropy weight, G1-CRITIC and G1-coefficient of variation, are used to calculate the index weight and perform a comparative analysis, after which the best weighting method is selected and combined with the discrete Hopfield neural network model to construct a weighting-evaluation model. Finally, the model is applied to evaluate the emergency capability of a community with frequent geological disasters in Yunnan Province. The results show that the index of monitoring and early warning ability of geological disasters is added, which makes the index more targeted, and thus, the result obtained using the G1-CRITIC combination weighting model is more accurate. The evaluation model constructed in this paper accurately evaluates community emergency capacity and is further popularized and applied in communities with frequent geological disasters in Yunnan Province.

Remote sensing identification and hazard assessment methods for spoil sites

Spoil sites, as loose accumulations, are prone to instability after disturbances and are a serious threat to the safety of downstream communities. This research aims to rapidly and accurately assess the potential hazards of the numerous spoil sides. An integrated approach that combines spatial, aerial, and ground techniques was developed to rapidly identify and interpret the key factors influencing the stability of spoil sites. Subsequently, based on the results of numerical simulation of multiple combinations of unfavorable working conditions by the material point method, a hazard assessment methodology for spoil sites is proposed, which combines the limit equilibrium method with the improved hierarchical analysis. The proposed method is applied and validated on spoil sites along an expressway. The achieved results reveal that remote sensing combined with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) verification technology is capable of quickly and accurately identifying the critical elements of spoil sites. The hazard assessment of the spoil site is represented by the hazard coefficient (P), where 0 < P < 1 indicates safety, 1 ≤ P < 5 signifies instability, and P ≥ 5 represents extreme instability. The effectiveness of the proposed assessment approach is then verified through the on-site validation, which provides a vital reference for rapid identification and batch assessment of spoil sites.

Culturally safe community agency health promotion capacity for diverse equity-seeking women: a rapid theoretical review

ObjectivesImmigrant and sexually/gender-diverse women (henceforth, women) face inequities in access to and quality of care. As a result, many seek health information from community agencies perceived as culturally safe. We...

Law Enforcement Against Perpetrators of Illegal Firearms Possession According to Emergency Law Number 12 of 1951; A Study in Banko District Court, Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the countries that is very strict in regulating firearms, namely in Emergency Law Number 12 of 1951, where one of the provisions is that firearms are prohibited from being possessed without rights with a serious criminal threat. However, in reality, there are still cases of illegal firearm ownership by civilians that can threaten the safety of the wider community. This study aims to find out how law enforcement is carried out against people who own firearms without official permits, and to find out the obstacles in law enforcement against perpetrators of illegal firearms ownership. This research method is normative juridical, with a legislative approach and a case approach. The results of the research show that the provisions in Emergency Law Number 12 of 1951 state that every person who violates the provisions of the law is punished with a severe penalty, namely the death penalty, life imprisonment or twenty years, but in its implementation, the punishment imposed by the judge on the perpetrator is still very light. Second, related to legal obstacles in law enforcement, namely the lack of firmness of law enforcement, especially judges in imposing criminal penalties on perpetrators of the crime of possession of firearms, and the lack of public awareness of the law.

Evaluating the radioactivity and health risks in oil and gas production areas: insights from Titas Gas Field, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Conducting comprehensive studies of radioactivity and associated risk assessments in the oil and gas industry is crucial due to the potential accumulation of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials in production operations. This pioneering study investigates radioactivity levels in surface soil from the Titas Gas Field area in Bangladesh by a High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector, a crucial resource of the nation’s energy infrastructure. In surface soil, the activity of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K varied from 18–41 Bq/kg, 28–62 Bq/kg, and 280–600 Bq/kg, respectively. Particularly, the levels of 232Th exceeded the global average value for soil. These elevated 232Th levels are likely attributed to a combination of natural geological processes of enriching thorium bearing minerals, geochemical processes favouring thorium retention and human activities selectively impacting these radionuclides. The estimated of radiological risk reveals that some indices exceed recommended limits, hence pose a concern for public health. The study recommends periodic monitoring, public awareness campaigns, remediation efforts, and long-term management strategies to protect environmental and public health. The findings of this research underscore the critical need to recognise and address radiological hazards associated with gas extraction activities to safeguard the health and safety of workers and nearby communities in Bangladesh.

Enhancing public safety: examining the influence of micro-level physical characteristics in CPTED for evidence-based action

ABSTRACT Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) has long been regarded as a promising approach to enhancing community safety by leveraging the physical environment to deter criminal activity. However, most studies on CPTED largely characterized by theoretical propositions and speculative discussions, lacking empirical evidence to support its effectiveness. This lack of empirical validation has hindered the adoption and implementation of CPTED strategies in practice. Through a quantitative approach, this study facilitates a shift towards evidence-based practice, with a specific focus on micro-level physical characteristics. The derived probability equation demonstrates promising predictive capabilities, suggesting its potential for anticipating robbery occurrences.

Reimagining Community Safety: Perceptions of Policy and Practice in Five Cities

Reimagining Community Safety: Perceptions of Policy and Practice in Five Cities

Abstract B035: Mayo Clinic Cancer Comprehensive Center Community Outreach and Engagement Internal Medicine Residents Rotations

Abstract Introduction: The Community Engagement Internal Medicine Residents Rotation (IMRR) connects Mayo Clinic Florida (MCF) medical professionals to partners in the Florida catchment area to better understand administrative operations, the referral processes of these organizations and how best they fit the needs of the communities they serve. The goal is to give residents exposure to a more diverse population including rural, Black and Hispanic/Latin as well as connecting them with partners where community- based research is conducted. This IMRR is also designed to encourage cancer-focused community based research (CBR). We learned that the lack of patient diversity at MCF was a drawback to resident recruitment and developing an interest in cancer focused health disparities research. We agreed to assist in this potential solution to the diversity deficit. Methods: The goal for the elective is to provide senior residents with an introduction to community engagement and cancer focused community engaged research. The elective consists of one week of didactics and one of experiential learning. The first week includes an introduction to cancer health disparities in our catchment areas and how to conduct cancer focused CBR. During the second week, residents interact with community partners focused on providing care and cancer education to those who otherwise may not have access to resources. Strategically, these partners are those with whom we are engaged in cancer research initiatives. Internal Medicine Residents (IMR) complete visitation paperwork that included Background Screenings and Sovereign Immunity Contracts. We limit the number of IMR to two in order to accommodate some of the smaller community clinic spaces. IMR visit community partners for no less than a half day each and at the end of the rotation they debrief and complete rotation evaluations. Data: Rotation evaluations aggregated to date indicate 91.67% of IMR feel the rotation meets the goals and objectives. In addition, evaluation comments indicate an improved understanding of population health as well as community resources for improved health and wellness in underserved populations. Anecdotal comments also show evidence of increased understanding of cancer focused CBR and cancer related health disparities. Conclusion: IMMR through community outreach and engagement visits have increased understanding of how partners address varying cancer burden needs. The IMRR has increased residents’ awareness of how environment impacts access to healthcare and improved cost-conscious ordering and treatment plans (medications). IMR better understand the significance of how social determinants of health (SDOH) resources impact community. IMR are better equipped to help patients and their families navigate to additional SDOH solutions and are familiar with the referral process for community safety net resources. The offer of this type of IMRR has enhanced recruitment to MCF training programs and significantly increased IM and fellow participation in cancer focused CBR initiatives and studies. Citation Format: Monica Albertie, Chelsea Reeves, Noreen Stephenson, Folakemi Odedina. Mayo Clinic Cancer Comprehensive Center Community Outreach and Engagement Internal Medicine Residents Rotations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B035.

The representation of sub-Saharan African migrants in the Tunisian written media: a corpus-assisted critical discourse analysis

ABSTRACT While the topic of migrant representation in media discourse has been extensively researched, a significant portion of scholarly attention is concentrated on Western media. This focus leaves a considerable gap in the study of media representations in transitional countries, particularly North African nations like Tunisia. This topic assumes greater significance in light of the recent surge in xenophobia towards sub-Saharan African migrants in the country – a movement partly instigated by President Kais Saied's anti-immigrant rhetoric. Utilising Corpus-Assisted Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), this paper examines the discursive representations of sub-Saharan African migrants in Tunisian written media discourse, focusing on the 2022 and 2023 anti-migrant wave in Tunisia under the presidency of Kais Saied. The research findings reveal that while a glimpse of a humanitarian discourse was evident, the majority of the discourse was characterised either by biased neutrality or explicit prejudice. The research indicates a predominantly negative representation, categorising migrants as invaders, security threats, economic burdens, and moral hazards. Significantly, much of the discourse echoes the political anti-immigrant policy, suggesting a potential media alignment with the emerging authoritarian tendencies in Tunisia. This alignment harbours damaging implications for the safety and well-being of the migrant community, as well as for the overall human rights and democratisation process in the country.

Animal Protection Officers: Professional Identity, Professional Stressors, and Mental Health Needs

Abstract Animal protection officers (APOs) fulfill critical community roles but are underrepresented in academic literature. This study explored APOs’ professional identities, professional stressors, positive job aspects, and mental health needs and access. Our mixed-methods design featured a survey followed by interviews. The survey was disseminated to APOs from four local agencies. Results from 18 respondents revealed that seeing a child injured by an animal or an animal injured by a human were the most stressful work situations. Positive job aspects included helping animals, public education, and supporting community safety. Only four respondents had accessed mental health services for job-related issues. Nine respondent interviews yielded themes addressing how APOs make meaning, stressors and resilience factors, and mental health supports. Recommendations based on survey and interview responses are provided.