Police Newsletter No. 82, January 2006

The Police Newsletter is a joint venture product of TC TeamConsult, Genf/Zurich, and Freiburg i. Br. (D), and the Chair of Criminology (Crime Policy and Police Science) at the University of Bochum (Professor Dr. Thomas Feltes). The Html version of the Newsletter is available at www.Polizei-Newsletter.de. All Newsletter issues published up to now can also be looked up there and the German, French, Spanish or English version can be subscribed or unsubscribed.

1. Enhancing Problem-Solving Projects Through Offender Interviews

2. Long-Term Study of Adults Who Received High-Quality Early Childhood Care and Education Shows Economic and Social Gains, Less Crime

3.Citizens expect police officers to behave professionally

4. Disrespect toward police officers

5. Understanding qualitative criminological research – a note of a review essay

6. America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2005

7. Learning-Platform Human Rights

8. Violence and the brain

9. Right-wing and non-right-wing violent offenders: a forensic comparison

10. A platform for Supranational Criminology: The criminology of International Crimes

11. National Sex Offender Public Registry

12. Detailed Victimization Data Released

1. Enhancing Problem-Solving Projects Through Offender Interviews

"Using Offender Interviews to Inform Police Problem Solving" (62 pp.) (NCJ 209525), a new COPS POP Guide, is the third guide in the Problem-Solving Tools Series. It provides a summary of the most important findings from offender interviews and concrete recommendations on how to conduct offender interviews for problem-oriented policing projects. (COPS) http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/mime/open.pdf?Item=1464

2. Long-Term Study of Adults Who Received High-Quality Early Childhood Care and Education Shows Economic and Social Gains, Less Crime

A landmark, long-term study of the effects of high-quality early care and education on low-income three- and four-year-olds shows that adults at age 40 who participated in a preschool program in their early years have higher earnings, are more likely to hold a job, have committed fewer crimes, and are more likely to have graduated from high school. Overall, the study documented a return to society of more than a $17 for every tax dollar invested in the early care and education program. http://www.crim.upenn.edu/aec

3.Citizens expect police officers to behave professionally

In their interactions with citizens, police officers are prohibited from (1) using unnecessary Force, (2) Abusing their authority, (3) speaking Discourteously, or (4) using Offensive language, all captured by the acronym FADO. However, acts of police misconduct are complex social phenomena that involve both following legal guidelines and responding to extralegal or mitigating circumstances. Using a factorial survey of police-civilian interactions that introduce various dimensions of FADO and surrounding circumstances, respondents are asked to rate from zero to ten the seriousness of police misconduct in an encounter. Findings show that respondents' judgments of the seriousness of misconduct consider both legal and extralegal dimensions. On the legal side of the ledger, officers' unnecessary use of force and use of offensive language significantly increase judgments of serious misconduct; on the extralegal side of the ledger, civilians' confrontational demeanour significantly reduces judgments of serious misconduct. The findings suggest that citizens expect officers to behave professionally, or by the book, but with a recognition that "street-level" discretion has a place in an officer's toolkit. Citizens' expectations, that street-level discretion has its place is also demonstrated by findings for the dimension abuse of authority: Abuse or threatening behavior by officers is not a significant predictor of serious police misconduct. In addition, characteristics of the respondents explain propensities to observe different degrees of police misconduct. Controlling for the social status, political orientation, and prior experience of respondents with the police, we find that (1) blacks rate police misconduct significantly higher than their white counterparts, and (2) liberals rate police misconduct significantly higher than their conservative counterparts. Differences in judgments by blacks and whites and by liberals and conservatives concerning judgments of police misconduct have important implications for the legitimacy of police authority. Source: Carroll, Seron; Pereira Joseph & Kovath, Jean, „Judging Police Misconduct: ‚Street-Level’ versus Professional Policing“. Law & Society Review, 38(4), 665-710 (Abstract Law & Society Review)

4. Disrespect toward police officers

The study utilizes social interactionist theory and recent developments in urban sociology to examine suspect disrespect toward police officers. In particular, given that citizens in disadvantaged neighbourhoods more often view the police as abusive and that normative patterns tend to condone the use of coercion to resolve conflict and protect social identities, it was expected that the odds of suspect disrespect would be greater among residents of and visitors to disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Data were obtained from approximately 240 hours of field observations. The analysis confirmed several propositions of social interactionist theory. First, in general, police disrespect and coercive acts did not provoke suspect disrespect. When suspects did retaliate to police provocation, two conditions were observed. Suspects were either under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or police used high (impact) levels of force. The findings also point to the usefulness of exploring the influence of neighbourhood context on suspects’ behavior during police encounters. Most encounters in which officers are not shown respect involve suspects who are not altogether rational because they are emotionally overwrought, intoxicated, or mentally impaired. Under such circumstances, it is usually obvious to both the police and the citizen audience that the suspect is not “in control”. As such, allowances can be made without the need for police to compensate for a loss of authority. For example, officers can intervene authoritatively with less oral and physical coercion, which reduces the risk that suspects will be disrespectful. Source: Reisig, Michael D.; McCluskey, John D.; Mastrofski, Stephen D.; and others. “Suspect disrespect toward the police.” In: Justice Quarterly, 21(2):241-268, 2004.

5. Understanding qualitative criminological research – a note of a review essay

The free online journal ‚Forum Qualitative Social Research’ just published a review essay that provides a brief introduction to the use of qualitative methods in criminological research and the content of two books on that subject. The first, by NOAKS and WINCUP, takes the "how to do it" approach, making the book very useful for students and researchers new to qualitative methods. In contrast, POGREBIN's edited collection provides a large number of "how it has been done" examples with an equal focus on the findings as on the methodological approach. Source: http://www.qualitative-research.net/fqs-texte/3-05/05-3-13-e.htm.

6. America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2005

This biennial report profiles the condition of children and teenagers in America. Nine contextual measures describe the changing population, family, and environmental context in which children are living. Furthermore, 25 indicators depict the well-being of children in the areas of economic security, health, behavior and social environment and education. This year's report has special features on particular children’s deseases and parental reports of children’s emotional and behavioral difficulties. In addition, the report includes a special section on family structure and the well-being of children. Available at http://childstats.gov/americaschildren/index.asp

7. Learning-Platform Human Rights

This is a project of Deutsches Institut für Menschrechte (German Institute for Human Rights) in cooperation with the European School of Governance. It aims at providing a well-founded and comprehensible introduction into human rights and human rights education. The learning-platform addresses upper school pupils and students who want to know more about human rights. Furthermore it mainly addresses teachers who want to deal with human rights in class. The learning-platform Human Rights consists of two components, with “Menschenrechtsbildung” comprising two modules, each of them with an individual main topic, an introduction to the theme and exercises. For a survey please click hier.

The knowledgeTool is a new interactive online learning unit for simulating legal proceedings at the European Court of Human Rights. Two model cases of the course Menschenrechtsbildung illustrate the possibilities of the knowledgeTool. For more details please click hier. http://emrk.knowledgetools.de/

8. Violence and the brain

Against the Background of new findings about the biological correlatives of emotional processes of the brain, which are based an the interaction between the cortex of association, the limbic system und the brain stem, the central significance of the almond und deeper diencephalon structures for controlling fear und aggression is emphasized. The discoveries of changes in brain structure are outlined which have been made clear by way of edifying und neuropathological studies - together with a presentation of some prominent examples. In conclusion the degree to which the biology of the brain can be influenced by biographic und psycho-social influences is put forward und the multi-dimensional fabric of conditions concerning violent crimes is explained, indicating that not only brain pathological aspects but also genetic factors und pertinent social constellations are also component parts. Source: B. Bogerts, Gewalttaten aus der Sicht der Gehirnforschung. In: Werkstattschriften Forensische Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie 2004, S. 5-21

9. Right-wing and non-right-wing violent offenders: a forensic comparison

The study compares a cohort of Neo-nazi offenders with non Neo-nazi offenders in regard to sociobiographic, psychiatric and forensic characteristics. In both groups, we found extremely negative sociodemographic backgrounds, frequent alcohol abuse, personality disorders and numerous previous convictions. We obtained very few differences regarding criminogenic parameters between Neo-nazi offenders and non Neo-nazi offenders. In this sense the study demonstrates that Neo-nazi offences are "ordinary" resp. "common" violent offences. In spite of the negative sociobiographic parameters and the frequently obtained personality deficits the great majority of the Neo-nazi offenders were regarded as fully responsible for their crimes by both court and the examining psychiatrist. The majority of the non Neo-nazi offenders were designated as diminished responsible due to a significant effect of psychotropic substances. Source: Andreas Marneros, Dörthe Strube, Bettina Steil, Anja Galvao: Rechtsextremistische und nichtrechtsextremistische Gewalttäter: ein forensisch-relevanter Vergleich. In: Werkstattschriften Forensische Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie 2004, S. 69-83

10. A platform for Supranational Criminology: The criminology of International Crimes

Our aim is to create a communicative platform for what we call supranational criminology. This entails a criminological approach to international crimes such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture and genocide. The platform aims to encourage and stimulate an international and interdisciplinary scientific discussion and debate on international crimes. Many researchers from a broad range of disciplines such as criminologists, historians, philosophers, political scientists, sociologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, lawyers and others take an interest in international crimes. What is lacking, however, is an integrated interdisciplinary approach to international crimes. We want to change this by bringing together scholars involved in this kind of research and by stimulating fruitful academic discussions amongst them. The first step in our plan has been the launch of this website at the Conference of the European Society of Criminologist at Krakow in September 2005. The aim of the website is to share information on literature, internet links, ongoing research and experts within the broad field of supranational criminology. It is our aim to thus stimulate the discussion on relevant topics. Moreover, we plan to organize expert-meetings, symposia and conferences in the near future. www.supranationalcriminology.org

11. National Sex Offender Public Registry

BJA recently embarked on a tremendous opportunity to provide citizens with critical and timely information on sex offenders nationwide: the National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR). At least 20 state registries will be connected and available for use in 60 days. Access information at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/what/index.html

12. Detailed Victimization Data Released

"Criminal Victimization in the United States, 2003 -- Statistical Tables" (NCJ 207811) presents 110 tables with detailed data on major variables measured by the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS). (BJS) Available online at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/cvusst.htm

Police Newsletter No. 83, February 2006

1. OJJDP Report Assists Courts in Classifying Youth

2. Access 22 States' Sex Offender Registries Online

3. DNA Evidence Collection Training Modules Available Online

4. Online Publication on Violence as a Social Problem in Schools

5. Bullet-proof Vest Partnership

6. German Youth Institute’s (DJI) Survey

7. Citizen Satisfaction with Police Encounters

8. New Publication Identifies "Hot Spots" in Crime

9. Responding to Elder Abuse

10. A Theory Explaining Biological Correlates of Criminality

11. Legale Possession of Firearms and Marksmen’s Associations

12. Online: „Zeitschrift für Internationale Strafrechtsdogmatik“

13. 100 Years of Swiss Police and Ministers’ of Justice Meeting (KKJPD)

1. OJJDP Report Assists Courts in Classifying Youth

"The Mathematics of Risk Classification: Changing Data into Valid Instruments for Juvenile Courts" (44 pp.) (NCJ 209158) can assist juvenile courts in their efforts to provide appropriate intervention, treatment, and punishment to juvenile offenders through developing and using risk classification instruments. Access full text at: http://www.ojjdp.ncjrs.org/publications/PubAbstract.asp?pubi=12183

2. Access 22 States' Sex Offender Registries Online

The Department of Justice announces the activation of its National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) Web site, which provides real-time access to public sex offender data nationwide with a single Internet search. The site allows parents and concerned citizens to search the 22 existing public state and territory sex offender registries. (BJA) Access information at: http://www.nsopr.gov

3. DNA Evidence Collection Training Modules Available Online

The popular "What Every Law Enforcement Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence" (Modules 1 and 2) is now available online. This two-module interactive training curriculum provides basic and advanced DNA evidence identification instruction and information on the preservation and collection of DNA evidence. (NIJ) For more information, visit: http://www.dna.gov/training/letraining/index.htm

4. Online Publication on Violence as a Social Problem in Schools

This study by Wolfgang Melzer is available for free download at „open access“. Published by Barbara Budrich, Stauffenbergstr. 7, D-51379 Leverkusen Opladen, www.budrich-verlag.de. However, you have to register at the website and order the book as usual for internet orders – but at a price of €1,- only. This is somewhat troublesome, the more so as the book has to be searched, the publishers not offering useful links. So search „Melzer“ , and then the book will be shown.

5. Bullet-proof Vest Partnership

A special website is open for additional funds to better meet the vest replacement needs of America's law enforcement personnel. The application and payment process occurs online http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bvpbasi/

6. German Youth Institute’s (DJI) Survey

For the third time, the DJI has carried out representative interviews with juveniles and young adults concerning their life situation, values, social and political orientations and activities. The DJI Youth Survey is part of its social report which is to collect reliable information about the social and personal situation of children, juveniles and families in Germany on an empirical basis by “longterm observation.” The Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth finances this survey. www.dji.de/jugendsurvey

7. Citizen Satisfaction with Police Encounters

This article by Wesley Skogan examines the character and consequences of encounters between police and residents of the city of Chicago. It describes the frequency with which they contacted the police for assistance or support and how often they were stopped by them. Follow-up questions gathered information about the character of those contacts. The analysis contrasts the effects of experiential, on-scene factors with those of race, age, gender, and language on satisfaction with encounters. It demonstrates the great importance of the quality of routine police-citizen encounters, for things that officers did on the spot dominated in determining satisfaction. The personal characteristics of city residents played an important role in shaping who was treated in this way or that and affected satisfaction primarily through on-scene actions by police. Source: Wesley Skogan, Citizen Satisfaction with Police Encounters, POLICE QUARTERLY Vol. 6 No. X, Month 2003, S. 298-321

8. New Publication Identifies "Hot Spots" in Crime

"Mapping Crime: Understanding Hot Spots" (78 pp.) (NCJ 209393) explains that much of crime mapping is devoted to detecting high-crime-density areas known as hot spots. Hot spot analysis helps police identify high-crime areas, types of crime being committed, and the best way to respond. This report discusses hot spot analysis techniques and software and explains when to use them. http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/pubs-sum/209393.htm

9. Responding to Elder Abuse

"Elder Abuse Fatality Review Teams: A Replication Manual" (201 pp.) (NCJ 210901), developed by the American Bar Association and funded by OVC, provides guidance to communities interested in establishing similar teams. Elder abuse fatality review teams review deaths caused by or related to elder abuse and can improve the response of community agencies to elder abuse victims. (OVC) http://www.abanet.org/aging/fatalitymanual.pdf

10. A Theory Explaining Biological Correlates of Criminality

Despite major advances in understanding the biological basis of human behaviour, the most popular theories of criminal behaviour remain restricted to those that consider only learning and social environmental variables. All of these strictly environmental theories have difficulty explaining why neurological, hormonal, and other biological factors would be related to criminal behaviour, yet evidence for links between such biological factors and criminality has grown. This article puts forward a theory that takes account of biological as well as environmental factors, and predicts that variables such as age, gender and social status will be associated with offending probabilities. lt is argued that male sex hormones operating on the human brain increase the probability of competitive/ victimizing behaviour. This type of behaviour (or behavioural tendency) is hypothesized to exist along a continuum, with 'crude' (criminal) forms at one end and 'sophisticated' (commercial) forms at the other. Individuals with the greatest capacities to learn and plan will move rapidly after puberty from criminal to non-criminal forms of competitive/victimizing behaviour. The theory predicts among other things that serious criminality will be concentrated in adolescent and young adult males of low social status. Evidence is reviewed on links between criminality and various biological variables, including testosterone, mesomorphy, maternal smoking during pregnancy, hypoglycemia, epilepsy, altered heart rate and skin conductivity. Source: Lee Ellis, A Theory Explaining Biological Correlates of Criminality. In: European Journal of Criminology 2, 3, 2005, S.287-315

11. Legale Possession of Firearms and Marksmen’s Associations

The sociologist Arne Niederbacher portrays the shooter community and their fascination of firearms in his book „Faszination Waffe – Eine Studie über Besitzer legaler Schusswaffen in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland“. For a detailed review see http://www.polizei-newsletter.de/buecher.htm. Further information about the research project „Schießen im Verein“ (shooting in associations) sponsored by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft at http://www.hitzler-soziologie.de/Projekte/schuetzen.html.

12. Online: „Zeitschrift für Internationale Strafrechtsdogmatik“

Since January 2006 this magazine has been online at http://www.zis-online.com/

13. 100 Years of Swiss Police and Ministers’ of Justice Meeting (KKJPD)

The Cantonal Police and Justice Ministers’ Conference celebrated its 100th anniversary on November 9 and 10, 2005, and on November 9 an experts’ meeting on the present reform process in criminal prosecution as a challenge for the federation and the cantons, organised by the Competence Center Forensik und Wirtschaftskriminalistik. Various contributions threw an ingenious light on the legal policy idea of the reforms, the cantons’ and federation’s point of view of the reforms’ realisation as well as the scientific point of view. Other lectures dealt with the intensification of prevention, new means of gathering information by secret services and supervising security monitoring. More details at www.ccfw.ch

Police Newsletter No. 84, March 2006

1. Less Police Officers in Socially Discriminated US Regions

2. Subculture Theory vs. Neutralisation Theory

3. Problem-Oriented Policing

4. Psychological Conditions of Sex Murder

5. Bachelor of Arts in Offender Profiling

6. Survey on Police Commissions and Ombudspeople

7. Education without Violence Gaining Groud

8. Fighting Internet Fraud

9. Project RECHTGEGENRECHTS.ORG

10. Using Knowledge Management in Police Organizations

11. Crime Mapping and GIS Solutions

1. Less Police Officers in Socially Discriminated US Regions

Between 1980 and 2000 the number of police officers (per citizens) in cities with a high rate of black population socially discriminated decreased compared to “white” US regions. It is supposed that the police intervene more and more seldom in these troublesome neighbourhoods, and thus less personnel is required. Source: S. Kent, D. Jacobs: Minority Threat and Police Strength from 1980 to 2000: A fixed-effects analysis of nonlinear and interactive effects in large U.S. cities. In: Criminology 43, 3, 2005, p. 731-760; another contribution goes with this: a study examines the connection between police strength and policy, comprising 954 US cities. The result shows that there are less police officers ( per 1,000 citizens) in districts that have been subject to political and administrational reforms than in non-reformed districts. Source: Thomas D. Stucky, Local Politics and Police Strength. In: Justice Quarterly 22, 2, 2005, S.139-169.

2. Subculture Theory vs. Neutralisation Theory

It has been discussed for some time which one of the two theories gives a better explanation to crime: the subculture theory proceeding from the assumption that criminals develop a culture of their own which is deviant from the values of society; or the Sykes and Matza neutralisation theory saying that criminals do know and accept the existing values, but neutralise them as far as they themselves are concerned. A recent study for which interviews with (undetected) serious criminals (robbers, drug dealers and car-jackers) have been made leads to the conlusion that the neutralisation theory has to be modified: these offenders consider themselves to be “the good” and the others belonging to the existing society tob “the bad” – without, however, developing a sub-culture of their own. Sourse: V. Topalli: When being Good is Bad: An explanation of Neutralization Theory. In: Criminology 43, 3, 2005, p. 797-836

3. Problem-Oriented Policing

Under the catchword “problem oriented policing“, new approaches of how and if the police can adapt their work better to existing problems in a community have been discussed in the USA and Great Britain for some time. The demarcation against community policing is controversial. A short but concise introduction by Peter Manning in the magazine „Criminology and Public Policy (Vol. 4, 2, May 2005, pp. 149) gives a survey to this discussion; Gary Cordner and E. P. Biebel describe „Problem Oriented Policing in Practice“ and two more contributions of this issue present reactions.

4. Psychological Conditions of Sex Murder

The study deals with the question which psychological characteristics of the criminal act and the biography of the offender may correlate to the probability of killing the victim during sexual offences. The study is based on interview data of 94 men. Significantly more often they said to have experienced straining events and emotional changes during the days preceding the offence than the non-criminal men. There were no important differences between the groups as far as consumption of pornography, changes in sexual behaviour before the offence and alcohol consumption afterwards. Significant differences between the delinquent groups existed as far as the preparation of the offence and its realisation. Source: Peter Steck, Markus Raumann und Ursula Auchter, Psychologische Bedingungen des Sexualmordes. Ein empirischer Vergleich zwischen Sexualmördern, Vergewaltigern und Männern, die der Versuchung zur Gewaltanwendung bei sexuellen Handlungen widerstanden haben. In: MSchrKrim 2005, S. 70-81

TF

5. Bachelor of Arts in Offender Profiling

The University of South Africa offers a distance learning course “Offender Profiling“. It takes at least three years, the costs amounting to appox. 160.- Euro per module (or for 30 modules approx. 4.800.- Euro). Detailed information at: http://www.unisa.ac.za/default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=13122 and www.kriminologie.com

6. Survey on Police Commissions and Ombudspeople

Georg Warning has collected the existing information about police commissions and ombudspeople in certain European States and Australia for an article. It can be downloaded from the online part of the Police Newsletter.

7. Education without Violence Gaining Groud

The findings of a recent study show that a new law banning violence in education has led to a change in the legal consciousness of people. Their educational styles as well as their attitudes towards violence has altered positively. Furthermore the law has strengthened their personal courage and their readiness to accept offers for help. The short version of the final report at: http://www.bmj.bund.de/bussmann Source: BMJ Newsletter Berlin, 20. Oktober 2005

8. Fighting Internet Fraud

The Federal Minister of the Interior Otto Schily and the Initiative D21 have published the final report of the project team 'Effektive Betrugsbekämpfung”. The recommendations they present for consumers, economy and administration aim at reducing the risk of fraud in the internet. The project team was supported by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and directed by Dr. Anja Bundschuh (Director Government Relations Europe of eBay). It united economy and associations representatives, e.g. from online commerce and banking as well as law enforcement authorities, ministries and prevention committees staff. The information and the final report can be downloaded at: http://www.bmi.bund.de and http://www.initiatived21.de/publikationen Source: D21-Newsletter Oktober 2005

9. Project RECHTGEGENRECHTS.ORG

This website deals with the legal consideration of rightwing parties, fellowships, meetings and crimes. The online project is to give a survey on the basis of substantive criminal law and as well a summery of procedural issues and related sentences. www.rechtgegenrechts.org .

10. Using Knowledge Management in Police Organizations

"Knowledge Management in Policing" (126 pp.) (NCJ 211994) introduces the concept of Knowledge Management in policing and its use in a West Coast police department. It also outlines a series of guidelines for adopting and implementing Knowledge Management as an organizational development and management strategy. http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/mime/open.pdf?Item=1615

11. Crime Mapping and GIS Solutions

The computer-assisted presentation of areas where crimes occur is gaining more and more importance. Three websites demonstrate the recent development in the USA: http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/NACJD/crimestat.html/ ,

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/journals/253/predicting.html ,

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/maps/

Police-Newsletter No. 85, April 2006 - not published due to illness of the translator

Police-Newsletter No. 86, May 2006

The Police Newsletter is a joint venture product of TC TeamConsult, Genf/Zürich, and Freiburg i. Br. (D), and the Chair of Criminology (Crime Policy and Police Science) at the University of Bochum (Professor Dr. Thomas Feltes). The Html version of the Newsletter is available at www.Polizei-Newsletter.de. All Newsletter issues published until now can also be looked up there and the German, French, Spanish or English version can be subscribed or unsubscribed.

1. Assisting Crime Analysts in Problem-Oriented Policing Projects

2. Development and chances of young people from socially deprived areas

3. What is „Neighbourhood“?

4. Marital status and stress among police officers

5. Verbal Judo and Police Work

6. NationMaster: Graphs online

7. German legislation on the Internet

8. Data report on equal opportunities of women and men in the Federal Republic of Germany

9. Underprivileged housing areas, local social capital and »disorder«

10. School Crime Indicators Updated

11. Problematic paradigm shift at the Dutch police: „The Dutch Dilemma“

12. Development of crime in the USA: Who or what is responsible for the decline of crime?

1. Assisting Crime Analysts in Problem-Oriented Policing Projects

"Crime Analysis for Problem Solvers in 60 Small Steps" (150 pp.) (NCJ 211310) covers the basics of problem-oriented policing and shows how many new concepts that have been developed to analyze crime patterns can sharpen an understanding of crime and disorder problems. Quelle: http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/mime/open.pdf?Item=1597

2. Development and chances of young people from socially deprived areas

A federal program provides information, materials, conferences and more about neighbourhood development. http://www.eundc.de/seiten/global/home.html .

3. What is „Neighbourhood“?

An essay of Jan Philipp Reemtsma on the potential of neighbourhood relations for the outbreak of violence. According to Reemtsma, neighbourhoods can be intrumentalised by politics, be it the realisation of a police state or ethnic-national movements. Using a popular cartoon, Reemtsma points out the tensions which are inherent in neighbourhoods. While the text initially was published in Mittelweg 36 5/2004; it is now also available online at www.EUROZINE.com, the international network of European Cultural Magazines, at http://www.eurozine.com/articles/article_2005-11-02-reemtsma-de.html .

4. Marital status and stress among police officers

This study examines whether marital status matters with regard to jobrelated stress among police officers. Data were obtained from a survey of approximately 1,100 sworn police officers. Overall, police couples have lower levels of anxiety while nonpolice couples have lower levels of depression, although the relative importance of marital status is rather low compared to other independent variables. Destructive coping, work-family conflict, and negative work exposure are also consistent stress-inducing factors, while camaraderie seems to be a factor ameliorating police occupational stress. As such, marital status has a marginal effect on reducing police stress and, as a whole, is a far less significant predictor of police occupational stress. Nevertheless, police couples appear to use more constructive coping mechanisms when dealing with stress. Source: Zhao. J. S., He. N. P., Lovrich. N., et al., Marital status and police occupational stress. In:Journal of Crime & Justice, 26, 2, 2003, p. 23-46

5. Verbal Judo and Police Work

The most common context of police-citizen contact is the traffic stop, and “verbal judo" is the most widely used interpersonal communications training program taught to officers. The system focuses on predetermined steps, scripted phrases, responses that deflect insults, empathy, and gaining compliance through personal appeals. This study investigates what communication behaviors citizens’ view as appropriate during traffic stops. A sample of 245 college students in Indiana completed surveys regarding their preferences in relation to officers' behavior. Findings supported the use of verbal judo techniques during routine traffic stops. Responses also provided support for the theory of procedural justice. Source: Johnson, R., Citizen expectations of police traffic stop behavior. In: Policing: An International Journai of Police Strategies and Management. 27, 4, 2004, p. 487-497.

6. NationMaster: Graphs online

Welcome to NationMaster.com, a massive central data source and a handy way to graphically compare nations. NationMaster is a vast compilation of data from such sources as the CIA World Factbook, United Nations, World Health Organization, World Bank, World Resources Institute, UNESCO, UNICEF and OECD. Using the form above, you can generate maps and graphs on all kinds of statistics with ease. We currently have 5,703 stats, and this number is increasing all the time. http://www.nationmaster.com

7. German legislation on the Internet

Public access to all federal laws and regulations on the Internet. In a joint project with juris GmbH, the Federal Ministry of Justice provides all current federal laws free of charge at www.gesetze-im-internet.de . While the site hitherto provided a selection of about 750 laws and regulations, the actual site now provides access to about 5000 actual laws and regulations.

8. Data report on equal opportunities of women and men in the Federal Republic of Germany

For the first time in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany a data report was carried out on equal opportunities of women and men. In particular facts about social situation and lifestyles of men and women were collated, compared, analysed and interpreted. The report shows that the situations and lifestyles have increasingly converged. The data report can be ordered as a flyer together with a CD-rom, also the online publication can be accessed at http://www.bmfsfj.de/Publikationen/genderreport/root.html

9. Underprivileged housing areas, local social capital and »disorder«

This article deals with the explanation of the perception of so called „incivilities“ or untidiness. 30 physical or social „incivilities“ are measured on both dimensions of perceived frequencies and subjective weight. Based on a postal poll (N = 3612) in Hamburg suburbs a multi level model was calculated. The analysis stated effects of individual variables (personal and indirect victimisation, trust, contacts to neighbourhood, general social capital) and context variables (difficult social structure of the area). Source: Christian Lüdemann Benachteiligte Wohngebiete, lokales Sozialkapital und Disorder. Eine Mehrebenenanalyse zu den individuellen und sozialräumlichen Determinanten der Perzeption von physical und social incivilities im städtischen Raum. In: MSchrKrim 2005, pp. 240-256.

TF

10. School Crime Indicators Updated

"Indicators of School Crime and Safety, 2005" (NCJ 210697) (206 pp.). This annual report, a joint effort by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Center for Education Statistics, presents data on crime and safety at school from the perspectives of students, teachers, principals, and the general population.

11. Problematic paradigm shift at the Dutch police: „The Dutch Dilemma“

Punch, Hoogenboom and Williamsom point out the difficulties Dutch police faces when adjusting their model to actual situations. The overall concept of the 70s that was mainly affected by the idea of community policing and also by the tolerance and the consensus with the Dutch society, was increasingly critised since the late eighties, in particular as a result of an abrupt rise of crime and the fact that the Netherlands had become the centre of the European drug market. From the mid 90s additional factors added to the discussion of a new definition of the Dutch policing concept: the neo-liberal government, the „zero tolerance“ approach, the tendency toward a unified European police, the „policemanager“, brought about by the New Public Management, the social, polictical and economical impacts of the globalisation as well as the gradual shift away from a tolerarant attitude within Dutch society. Today the Dutch police is situated amidst a conceptual reorientation, while this process is characterised by ambivalence, reluctance and rejection. A clearly defined concept would facilitate this process considerably. Source: Quelle: Punch, Maurice; Hoogenboom, Bob; Williamson, Tom: “Paradigm Lost: The Dutch Dilemma”. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminologie, 38 (2): 268-281, 2005. A copy of the article is available on request from the editors Thomas.feltes@rub.de .

12. Development of crime in the USA: Who or what is responsible for the decline of crime?

The (non existent) reaction of criminologists on the crime development in the USA in the 1980s and 1990s is questioned for quite a while (first rise followed by an abrupt decline).

Especially the question if, for example, the New York approach had a significant impact on the decline was raised again and again. It is now reliably answered by the authors in that over-regional factors were responsible, as opposed to regional ways of policing and politics. Source: R. Rosenfeld, R. Fornango, E. Baumer, Did Ceasefire, COMPSTAT, and EXILE reduce Homicide? In: Criminology and Public Policy 4, 3, 2005, S. 419-450 (see also additional comments from other authors in this edition).

Police-Newsletter No. 87, June 2006

The Police Newsletter is a joint venture product of TC TeamConsult, Genf/Zurich, and Freiburg i. Br. (D), and the Chair of Criminology, Crime Policy and Police Science at the University of Bochum (Professor Dr. Thomas Feltes). The Html version of the Newsletter is available at www.Polizei-Newsletter.de. All Newsletter issues published up to now can also be looked up there and the German, French, Spanish or English version can be subscribed or unsubscribed.

1. The role of police visibility in fear of crime

2. The influence of peer retaliation at preventing officers reporting the use of illegal force against fellow officers

3. Community Violence Prevention - a new direction for crime prevention?

4. Determinants of relapse rates after release from jail

5. Crimiscope: a bridge between research and practice

6. US Supreme Court about police intervention

7. Standards for quality assurance of crime-prevention projects

8. Blair wants to tackle anti-social behaviour

9. Trends of crime in Northrine Westphalia. An analysis with regard to demographic and economic developments

10. Website Public Safety

11. Perceived Plausibility – Study on the meaning of perceived emotionality in testimonies for the assessment of plausibility

12. Crime Prevention in Hungary: Concept of the parliamentary act on victim support and victim compensation of crimes

13. Master in ‘Criminology and Police Science’ in Bochum from Winter 2006 on also as distance learning course

1. The role of police visibility in fear of crime

This study presents a model for police visibility and people's fear of crime. Survey data was collected from 3,245 adults and 977 teenagers in two typical Finnish neighborhoods. A 4-factor model including 2 visibility factors (patrol car-related activities and police-on-foot activities) and 2 fear-of-crime factors (crimes against property and crimes against persons), was constructed by structural equation modeling. Respondents who perceived the police more often in on-foot activities were less fearful of crimes against property than those who viewed officers in patrol-car functions. Among the adolescents, the same effect emerged in relation to crimes against persons. In groups of adults and teenagers, seeing the police more in patrol car-related actions resulted in an increased fear of crimes against both persons and property. These results demonstrate that a simple act for the police, such as stepping out of the car every now and then (i.e., not only in crime-related situations), can have a positive impact on fear of crime among the public. Salmi, S., Grönroos, M., and Keskinen. E., The role of police visibility in fear of crime in Finland. In: Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management, 27, 4, 2004, p. 573-591

2. The influence of peer retaliation at preventing officers reporting the use of illegal force against fellow officers

Using content analysis, this study qualitatively examines the influence of peer retaliation as a mechanism of social control aimed at preventing deviant behavior, such as officers reporting the use of illegal force against fellow officers. Data were derived from focus group interviews held with 18 officers employed by a large southwestern police department. The underlying theoretical premise is that peer retaliation operates under prevailing conditions of police culture. Results revealed that officers rationalize peer retaliation according to morality and deterrence. Types of retaliation sanctioned against peers included ostracism and no cover. Policy implications of the findings are discussed. Cancino, J. M.. & Enriquez. R., A qualitative analysis of officer peer retaliation: Preserving the police culture. In: Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management. 27, 3, 2004, p. 320-340

3. Community Violence Prevention - a new direction for crime prevention?

The Minister for Community Safety, Michelle Roberts MLA (Western Australia), has launched the State Community Violence Prevention Strategy green paper. Around 45 individual topics are addressed, and 50 key strategy options put forward for consideration of Government and the community. The green paper reviews a wealth of evidence that will be of broad interest to members of this forum, and we look forward to comments and feedback from the field. www.crimeprevention.wa.gov.au

4. Determinants of relapse rates after release from jail

The question of what determines high relapse rates after release from prison is raised ever so often. A study from US study now reveals the importance of practise and instructions. It is suggested that early releases are used as a reaction to overcrowded jails, resulting in raising relapse rates. J.A. Wilson, Bad Behavior or Bad Policy? An examination of Tennessee release cohorts, 1993-2001. In: Criminology and Public Policy 4, 3, 2005, S. 4485-518.

5. Crimiscope : a bridge between research and practice

The ‚Ecole des Sciences Criminelles’ (ESC) at Lausanne University offers courses in Criminology/Criminal Law and Criminalistics/Forensics. The school has an excellent reputation in fundamental and applied research and its publications are well established within international research networks. It was found that the research results are often unknown to practitioners in law, police and security. The publications of ESC „Crimiscope“ (published in French and German) now tries to join the two realms. Each issue deals with a specific subject and suggests relevant bibliography. http://www.unil.ch/esc/page19064.html

B.N.

6. US Supreme Court about police intervention

Short summaries and links to about 140 judgments of US Supreme Court on police intervention from the last 100 years can be found on Professor Clemens Arzt's website http://www.fhvr-berlin.de/fhvr/fileadmin/Inhalte/Pages_Dozenten/Arzt/arzt.html (see left column: ‘Polizeiliches Eingriffsrecht USA’). Most of the recent decisions are well analysed, status quo is 2003. An emphasis is laid on judgments concerning the Fourth Amendment. The data file is set up in Access format and can be downloaded as zip document (appr. 500kB). Also a comprehensive collection of literature and publications concerning police and law is accessible at http://www.security-service.com/Frame-Uebersicht-Fund.html

7. Standards for quality assurance of crime-prevention projects

Beccaria-standards for the quality assurance of crime-prevention projects are available with immediate effect. These standards comprise criterions and requirements of planning quality, realisation and evaluation of crime-prevention projects. They serve as a guideline for practitioners and provide a comprehensive base for the evaluation of project quality for reviewers and funding bodies. Standards as a scale for project planning are a first step towards enhanced project quality. The standards were elaborated as part of the Beccaria Project of the Prevention Commission of Lower Saxony. They can be downloaded at http://www.beccaria.de. Source: http://www.lpr.niedersachsen.de

8. Blair wants to tackle anti-social behaviour

With a high scale plan including support and penalties, the British government wants to see to more respect amongst its citizens. Part of the project is the observation of CCTV within the local community. Prime Minister Tony Blair presented a program designed to tackle anti-social behaviour especially amongst youngsters in order to establish a modern culture of respect. A website has also been set up: http://www.respect.gov.uk/ . The Respect Action Plan seeks to extend the number of actions which can immediately be punished, furtheron, families who substantially annoy their neighbours can be banned from their homes for up to three months. One community also provides its citizens access to CCTV in order to self-police the area. http://www.heise.de/tp/r4/artikel/21/21758/1.html

TF (Thanks to R. Mokros)

9. Trends of crime in Northrine Westphalia. An analysis with regard to demographic and economic developments

Police statistics reveal huge variations in numbers of cases and supects within the last two decades, also, these numbers differ with regard to specific offences. The developments are described in a study of the state Office of Criminal Investigation Northrine-Westphalia and are analysed, using indicators of demographic change and economic development. The development of registered crime was completed by a description of results from research on dark figures. The advantage of this methodological approach which is reviewing assumptions on social indicators influencing crime, lies in its explicit focus on changes within time. While ordinary surveys reveal raising numbers of physical injuries within the respective period of time, there is no evidence for a similar development using dark figures. These differences may be put down to a stronger sensitivity towards violence and a higher tendency to report offencens to the police. The development of registered crime can therfore be explained by the raising numbers of young males within society, by raising unemployment numbers and also by higher numbers of private expenses. http://www1.polizei-nrw.de/lka/Forschung/Projekte/Trends%20der%20Kriminalitaet%20in%20NRW/

Download des Forschungsberichts "Trends der Kriminalität in NRW"

(Hint: the study can also be accessed at http://www1.polizei-nrw.de/lka/Start/ , using the buttons „Forschung“, then „Projekte“ and „Trends der Kriminalität“.)

10. Website Public Safety

The information centre Social Sciences (IZ Bonn) and the interdisciplinary working group 'Public Safety' (AKIS) developed joint a website on public safety. The site provides a comprehensive documentation of subjects and a huge variety of ressources (texts, references, information about research projects, data bases, websites, events, organisations, materials and communication platforms). The documentation is open to public via the website of the information centre Social Sciences and also on the AKIS homepage (www.AK-Innere-Sicherheit.de).

TF (Thanks to H.-J. Lange)

11. Perceived Plausibility – Study on the meaning of perceived emotionality in testimonies for the assessment of plausibility

Assessing the validity of testimonies, naive as well as skilled surveyors are subjected to different biases. Emotionally presented testimonies and testimonies with a high degree of emotionality are more likely regarded as true. This tendency named „emotional truth bias“ was examined in a study from the Institute for Psychology of Kiel University. Subjects judged videos of true and false testimonies with regard to the variables „extent of emotionality of the witness“, „sympathy for the witness“, and the extent to which a testimony was regarded as interesting. The subjects were also asked to estimate if a testimony was true or false. The results suggest that the perceived emotionality of a testimony is influenced by the estimation of plausibility. Especially when the testimony was not regarded as very interesting and sympathy for the witness was low, high emotionality did more likely lead to an estimation of the testimony as true, as opposed to those with a lower emotionality. Source: Kerstin Panthey, Frank Eggert und Thomas Bliesener, Gefühlte Glaubhaftigkeit: Der Emotional Truth Bias. In: Polizei & Wissenschaft, 1, 2006, S.2-10.

12. Crime Prevention in Hungary: Concept of the parliamentary act on victim support and victim compensation of crimes

This concept, further material, and the Strategy for Social Crime Prevention can be reached on the following link: http://www.bunmegelozes.hu/?lang=en (Thanks to K. Gönczöl)

13. Master in ‘Criminology and Police Science’ in Bochum from winter 2006 on also as distance learning course

In addition to its conventional one-year-master course in Criminology and Police Science the Faculty of Law at Ruhr-University Bochum now also offers this course as a distance learning course, requiring four semesters. Further information, admission requirements and course structure can be downloaded at www.rub.de/kriminologie. Closing date for applications (for both courses) is July 15, 2006.

Police-Newsletter No. 88, July 2006

1. Public Services Performance index

2. Co-Offending and Patterns of Juvenile Crime

3. Documentation „internal security “in the virtual technical library social sciences

4. Rising poverty and polarisation in Germany?

5. Welfare survey - online

6. CCTV and Crime Prevention

7. Aiming Toward Service-Oriented Policing

8. Police Rating – A new instrument for the evaluation of police organizations

9. Young persons are indicated less often than 20 years ago

10. Identifying Police Misconduct through Early Intervention Systems

11. DNA Online Training Module Now Available

12. Project "Wissenschaft öffentlich" “public science” at Bielefeld University

1. Public Services Performance index

How are we doing? To find details of progress on the Government's Public Service Agreement (PSA) targets, simply click on a department below, and then choose the target you want to see. In 2002 Spending Review: Public Service Agreements 2003-2006 (Cm 5571) the Government undertook to introduce regular web-based reporting against the new PSAs. This website implements this commitment and reports performance against all the targets set out in these PSAs. The PSAs incorporate ambitious goals for key service improvements across the entire government. They represent an agreement between the Government and the public, reflecting the key priorities across all areas of the public services. The website will be updated to include Spending Review 2004 targets shortly. To learn more about Public Service Performance Reporting click here: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/error/error404.cfm#Public Click on a department to view performance against its PSA targets: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/performance/Home_Office.cfm

TF (Thanks to H. Hasenritter)

2. Co-Offending and Patterns of Juvenile Crime

Criminal justice researchers and practitioners have observed that juveniles tend to commit crimes in pairs or groups. This newly released National Institute of Justice report, Co-Offending and Patterns of Juvenile Crime, examines the phenomenon of co-offending, uncovering several related patterns of crime. Among the study’s findings is that offenders age 13 and under are more likely to commit crimes in pairs and groups than are 16- and 17-year-old offenders. The research also reveals that about 40 percent of juvenile offenders commit most of their crimes with others, and that co-offenders are more likely to become recidivists than solo offenders. The report concludes with a discussion of the implications for policy and practice. The report is available online at the National Institute of Justice Web site at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/pubs-sum/210360.htm

3. Documentation „internal security “in the virtual technical library social sciences

Due to social changes and developments, internal security becomes a topic which is increasingly discussed- also within scientific community. The ViBSoz (the virtual library of social sciences) therefore presents a thematic documentation with an emphasis on “internal security”. The contribution was compiled by the information center social sciences (IZ), in cooperation with Professor Dr. Hans Jürgen Lange from the interdisciplinary working group 'internal security' (AKIS), and it offers a comprehensive collection from several sources. The documentation of ViBSoZ is primarily based on a sociological perspective, focussing on politics of internal security, selected fields of action, the social construction of internal security as well as the relationship of civil rights and internal security and it supplies different sources of information to all four aspects: Full texts, literature references, information about research projects, data bases, websites, conferences, organisations, materials as well as communication platforms. While the focus is put on Germany, the international dimension of the topic was also considered, when the sources were selected. ViBSoz offers specific access to science-relevant information and documents via the Internet. The presentation and development is carried out by the Information Center Social Sciences in co-operation with the library of the Friedrich Ebert foundations (FES), the university and municipal library of Cologne (USB) and the Berlin Center of Science for Social Research (WZB), with a focus on the documentation of current social topics. http://www.vibsoz.de/

4. Rising poverty and polarisation in Germany?

„Rising poverty, polarization, re-stratification: A new trend of the inequality development in Germany?“ was the title of the annual convention of the section „ Social indicators“ in co-operation with the WZB Berlin, June 2 – 3, 2005. Program and materials are available on the Internet at
http://www.gesis.org/Dauerbeobachtung/Sozialindikatoren/Veranstaltungen/Programme/Jahrestagung_2005.htm#Programm

5. Welfare survey - online

Welfaresurvey - online is a tool which allows for an interactive analysis of the data of the Welfaresurveys 1978 to 1998 and to present the results in forms of tables and diagrams. Currently statistics on frequencies, crosstables are possible. Welfaresurvey online was developed in co-operation with Joachim Wackerow (ZUMA) on the basis of Exanda: www.gesis.org/en/software/exanda/

Detailed instructions and help functions are in preparation (see: http://www.gesis.org/Dauerbeobachtung/Sozialindikatoren/Daten/Wohlfahrtssurvey/wsonline.htm )

6. CCTV and Crime Prevention

The use of CCTV in Australia noted in AICrime reduction matters no. 18 in 2004 (www.aic.gov.au/publications/crm/crm018t.html) has continued to rise rapidly. Systems are generally used on public transport, in shopping areas, commercial premises and car parks. Additional evidence of a further increase in use amongst local councils is now available, along with recent research that confirms that CCTV systems have a limited crime prevention value, being most useful in preventing property crime, particularly vehicle related crime, mostly open air shopping malls or plazas, outdoor city centres other than malls, or on council property. A review (Welsh & Farrington 2006) of high quality evaluations of the effectiveness of CCTV as a crime prevention measure concluded that there was an overall eight percent reduction in crime in the experimental areas where CCTV was installed compared with a nine percent increase in crime in the control areas. The review included evaluations of 19 sites in the UK and the USA. Other findings from this meta-analysis concluded that CCTV interventions were more successful in car parks than in other settings such as city centres or housing estates, and that CCTV interventions were generally more successful in the UK than in the USA. Where CCTV systems in car parks were evaluated it was noted that these usually included other related crime prevention activities such as improved lighting or the presence of a security guard alongside CCTV systems. Evaluations (e.g. Gill & Spriggs 2005) show that it is important to involve police in the planning, implementation and monitoring aspects of CCTV systems. Police intelligence is useful in planning where to install the cameras. Protocols need to be in place for the people monitoring CCTV systems to be able to alert the police to incidents; this can enable a rapid response to observed incidents. It is also the police who can potentially use footage from CCTV systems to solve crime and to secure prosecutions. Therefore local police involvement is crucial in any decision to implement CCTV systems in local areas. http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/crm/crm042.html

7. Aiming Toward Service-Oriented Policing

Innovations in Police Recruitment and Hiring: Hiring in the Spirit of Service" (160 pp.) (NCJ 212981) tells the story of five sites that were selected to participate in a COPS-funded project titled "Hiring in the Spirit of Service." These sites implemented significant change in existing hiring practices by recruiting and selecting law enforcement officers who reflect a more service-oriented focus.

8. Police Rating – A new instrument for the evaluation of police organizations

The TC team Consult AG and the Assekurata Assekuranz Rating agency developed a new methodology for the evaluation of police organizations. Based on 130 indicators the police Rating methodology points out the strengths and the weaknesses of a police organization. For each of the 130 indicators an extensive data collection is accomplished, using criminal statistics, victim surveys and internal police data. As soon as all information is collected, from key numbers of the products, the organization, the personnel and finances of the police organization are calculated, based on a mathematical model. These key numbers are then compared with the appropriate numbers of other police forces. This alignment allows police organizations to identify models of best practices and to detect potential areas for further learning. A pilot project with three Swiss canton police forces was successfully carried out in January 2006. For further information please contact victor.prestel@tc-teamconsult.com

9. Young persons are indicated less often than 20 years ago

Results of a current study show less reports against that juvenile offenders than 20 years ago, while numbers referring to adults remained stable. According to the study, young persons become increasingly victims of offenders from their own age group. Acts of violence would also be more frequently directed against persons under 25 years, whose behaviour of reporting is described as particularly passive. The decrease in reporting would then result in a normalisation of violence and therefore in a rise of criminality. It is assumed that the dark numbers are much higher than actually estimated and that it will further increase in future. Source: Crimiscope, No. 30, December 2005.

10. Identifying Police Misconduct through Early Intervention Systems

Strategies for Intervening with Officers through Early Intervention Systems: A Guide for Front-Line Supervisors (NCJ 213138) (82 pp. see also: www.cops.usdoj.gov/mime/open.pdf?Item=1671 ) provides practical advice on many aspects of early intervention systems (EIS). These aspects include defining the role of the front-line supervisor, structuring the intervention process, identifying ways to provide the various programs and services that supplement and reinforce EIS, and creating a broader culture of accountability in law enforcement agencies. (COPS)

11. DNA Online Training Module Now Available

Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court (NCJ 212399, see also www.dna.gov/training/otc/). This interactive resource tool provides education and assistance for prosecutors, defence attorneys, and judges when using forensic DNA in cases; it is available online at www.DNA.gov. The course consists of 15-minute modules and covers the biology of DNA, DNA laboratories, forensic databases, DNA evidence at court, and post conviction DNA cases. (NIJ)

12. Project "Wissenschaft öffentlich" “public science” at Bielefeld University

Amongst other issues, this project contains an overview of a current study from Heitmeyer referring to hostility against groups (in particular: xenophobia, anti-Semitism, hostility against Islam etc.)

http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/Universitaet/Einrichtungen/Zentrale%20Institute/IWT/FWG/Feindseligkeit/Einfuehrung.html and also a short, but not bad overview of criminologie (using the stupid title “Are you a murderer?”
www.uni-bielefeld.de/Universitaet/Einrichtungen/Zentrale%20Institute/IWT/FWG/Kriminologie/ (if the links do not work, try www.uni-bielefeld.de and then type „Wissenschaft öffentlich“ into the search engine).

4. Repressive Criminal Politics Without Success

At present the idea of deterrent punishment is regaining importance worldwide: everywhere, more elements of criminal offences are created (even if for different reasons given), stricter punishment is requested and imposed, reducing the age of crimianal responsibility is demanded for, special punishment (such as preventive detention) is expanded, minimum sentences are introduced etc. An empirical US study is examining the effects of the possiblity recently created in 22 states to transfer criminal proceedings against adolescents from the youth court to the adults’ court and comes to the conclusion that these provisions do not have the desired deterrent effect. There are even hints to that the recidivism among the juveniles whose proceedings are heard before an adults’ court is higher than among those whose proceedings are heard beforeyouth courts. Source: B. Steiner, C. Hemmens, V. Bell, Legislative Waiver Reconsidered: General Deterrent Effects of Statutory Exclusion Laws Eacted Post 1979. In: Justice Quarterly 32, 1, 2006, p. 34-59.

5. What’s the “Cement” Keeping Generations Together?

The volume no. 52 of the Schweizerische Nationalfond (Swiss Natinal Fund) deals with the familial and social importance of the generations’ relations. This topic has gained special importance and explosiveness on the background of the present demographic and social changes. The scientific findings from four research projects of the NFP 52 go into the following central aspects of intergenerational relations: What’s the cement keeping the generations together – is there a unity at all ? What are the prerequisites? Questions about parent persons, family rituals and children’s poverty are dealt with. A copy can be ordered free of charge at: nfp@pnr.ch, but is as well available for download as PDF (551 KB) at: http://www.nfp52.ch/files/download/Themenheft_Bern_060519.pdf.

6. Managing Police Patrol Time – The role of supervisor directives

Contemporary police practice advocates the importance of proactive policing activities. The study analyses data from systematic social observations of police patrol officers to examine how officers spent their discretionary time. The authors find that, on average, over three quarters of a patrol officers’ shift is unassigned. During this time, officers primarily self initiate routine patrol, or back up other officers on calls to which they were not dispatched. Just 6 percent of unassigned time activities are directed by supervising officers, dispatchers, other officers or citizens. Moreover, directives provided by supervisors are vague, general in form, and do not operationalise problem oriented policing, community oriented policing, or proactive policing strategies. It is concluded that first, a very significant proportion of patrol officer time is spent uncommitted that could be better utilized doing proactive, problem oriented policing activities, and second, supervisors need to provide patrol officers with much more detailed directives, based on sound crime analysis, to help capitalize on the under utilization of patrol officer time. Source: Famenga, C.N., Frank, J. & Mazerolle, L. (2005). Managing Police Patrol Time: The Role of Supervisor Directives. Justice Quarterly (4), 540-559.

7. Violence in Schools in the USA and in Germany

A paper of Tanja Pröhl about violence in schools in the USA and Germany has been published as part of the Tübingen series „TüKrim“. It is a secondary analysis of official data collected and empirical research on this topic. The text can be downloaded as pdf or you can order a printed copy against reimbursement of expenses. http://w210.ub.uni-tuebingen.de/portal/tuekrim/

8. The impact of operational performance reviews on reported crime

The Australian Institute of Criminology has released a report that evaluates the impact of a significant change in the strategic management of Queensland police;Trends & issues in crime and criminal justice No. 313: The impact of operational performance reviews on reported crime in Queensland. The paper finds the new management system has made a significant contribution to an over all decline in recorded crime in the state. Those interested in attending can find more details at the AIC website: http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi2/tandi313.html

TF (Danke an H.J. Kerner)

9. Fulbright Police Studies Fellowships

The Fulbright Police Research Fellowships are offered to enable British police officers and civilian staff to spend between three and six months in the US developing their professional expertise and gaining experience of American policing. Applicants must submit a proposal for research to be completed during the period of the Fellowship and applications must be endorsed by the applicant’s chief officer or Head of HR. http://www.fulbright.co.uk/awards/uk/scholars/police.html

10. Crime and Cohesive Communities

Community cohesion is important to the success of strategies and initiatives which aim to improve the quality of people’s life. A paper of the Home Office links evidence on cohesion from the local areas boost, with recorded crime data to analyse the links between crime and cohesive communities. The paper finds that cohesive communities have five key attributes. They have a sense of community, similar life opportunities for all regardless of ethnicity, a respect for diversity, political trust and a sense of belonging. The sense of community factor in particular is found to be a strong predictor of various types of crime. Local areas that have a higher sense of community have lower levels of ‘all reported crime’, burglary from dwelling, theft of and from motor vehicles and violent crime. The evidence suggests that policies targeted at increasing sense of community could have a double effect by reducing levels of neighbourhood crime. http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs06/rdsolr1906.pdf

11. Review of Costs and Benefits Analysis in Crime Prevention

In crime prevention the question ‘what’s worthwhile?’ is becoming ever more relevant. To answer this question we need to look at the costs and benefits of crime prevention. In order to determine the current knowledge on cost and benefit analysis in crime prevention in the EU member states, the European Commission called for a review which included not only current EU member states but also some then applicant countries as well as countries such as Australia and the USA. This report is the result of this review. The report: “A Review of Costs and Benefits Analysis in Crime Prevention in the EU Member States” (published 2005) is available at the EUCPN-website at http://www.eucpn.org/docs/review_costs_benefits_crime_prevention_en.pdf or http://www.eucpn.org/ under “New Publications”.

12. Citizen Complaints about Police Use of Force

Presents data on citizen complaints about police use of force received by large, general purpose State and local law enforcement agencies as well as on complaint dispositions. Findings presented are from new questions on formal citizen complaints about police use of force added to the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics survey. Detail is presented on the policies and procedures of large municipal police departments relating to the processing of citizen complaints and other administrative features. The report also discusses the limitations of complaints' data and the use of sustained complaints as a measure of police use of excessive force. Highlights include the following: During 2002 large State and local law enforcement agencies, representing 5% of agencies and 59% of officers, received a total of 26,556 citizen complaints about police use of force. About a third of all force complaints in 2002 were not sustained (34%). Twenty-five percent were unfounded, 23% resulted in officers being exonerated, and 8% were sustained. Using sustained force complaints as an indicator of excessive force results in an estimate of about 2,000 incidents of police use of excessive force among large agencies in 2002. http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/ccpuf.htm

Police Newsletter No. 92, December 2006

The Police Newsletter is a joint venture product of TC TeamConsult, Genf/Zurich, and Freiburg i. Br. (D) www.tc-teamconsult.com, and the Chair of Criminology (Crime Policy and Police Science) at the University of Bochum (Prof. Dr. Thomas Feltes), www.rub.de/kriminologie. The Html version of the Newsletter is available at www.Polizei-Newsletter.de. All Newsletter issues published up to now can also be looked up there and the German, French, Spanish or English version can be subscribed or unsubscribed.

1. Re-Offending of Juveniles

This report analyses the one-year re-offending rates of juveniles (those aged 10 to 17 at date of sanction or on release from custody). It covers offenders who received pre-court disposals, non-custodial court disposals and those who were released from custody in the first quarter of 2004 (the 2004 cohort). As just over half of juveniles are dealt with by way of pre-court disposals, sampling on convictions alone would undercount their offending and re-offending. For this reason, juvenile samples include those given pre-court disposals and pre-court disposals are counted when assessing further offending. Pre-court disposals include cautions, reprimands and final warnings. In 2000 juvenile offenders could be given a caution, but by 2004 cautions had been replaced with reprimands and final warnings. It is not possible to distinguish between the different types of pre-court disposal on the Home Office Police National Computer (HOPNC). The report shows two types of re-offending: actual re-offending rates: the percentage of offenders who re-offended during a one year

follow-up period and subsequently received a pre-court disposal or were convicted in court; and predicted re-offending rates: the estimated percentage of offenders who will reoffend, after changes in offender characteristics over time have been controlled for. Home Office Statistical Bulletin 10/06 - Re-offending of juveniles: results from the 2004 cohort http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs06/hosb1006.pdf

2. Violence in Schools - Stocktaking in 2006

The Informationszentrum Sozialwissenschaften wants to contribute to the public debate with the online portal "Gewalt an Schulen". Reasons, factors, background and manifestation of violence in schools are enlightened as well as the sincerely criticised German school system. Furthermore the integration policy in schools is examined as it could play a key role in improving the general circumstances. Finally possible approaches to resolve the problem and preventive measures are shed light on. The individual paragraphs are completed by a number of links providing comprehensive information, including the socialscientific information service IZ "Gewalt in der Schule", which offers an up-to date survey on research and literature. The publication "Gewalt in der Schule - Bestandsaufnahme im Jahr 2006" is available at http://www.gesis.org/Information/SowiNet/sowiPlus/Gewalt&Schule/index.htm. The documentation is found at http://www.gesis.org/Information/SowiNet/sowiOnline/Gewalt&Schule/Gewalt&Schule_cover.pdf. Furthermore a printed copy can be ordered from the Informationszentrum Sozialwissenschaften against a nominal charge of € 10. More information of sowiPlus at http://www.gesis.org/Information/SowiNet/.

3. “War on Terror” Failed?

According to British experts the fight against terrorism is doomed to fail in the long run and prevents from perceiving threats to world safety that are by far more important. The risk of acts of terrorism like in New York and Washingot in 2001, in Madrid in March 2004 and in London in July 2005 increased, and not decreased, despite the military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is the result of a study by the scientists of the independent Oxford Research Group of Oxford University. They found out that the fight against terrorism formed more supporters of terrorism than it eliminated supporter and is blind of the real roots of the problem. With view to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq the study covering the last 18 months says that the situation in both countries has become more instable and violent. The study can be downloaded free of charge as pdf file at: http://www.oxfordresearchgroup.org.uk/publications/briefings/globalthreats.htm

TF (Thanks to R. Mokros)

4. New Internet Appearance of IPA Deutsche Sektion e.V.

The internet appearance of International Police Association (IPA) Deutsche Sektion e.V. has been designed completely new. The homepage is now managed by means of content management system (CMS). This allows the administration to be shared. The users profit from the clearly arranged and attractive design and the rapid page generation. The IPA counting a little less than 60,000 members in Germany is the world biggest professional association. It has advisory status with the UN Economic and Social Council and the European Council. IPA members can make use of worldwide police contacts and a comprehensive service offer at www.ipa-deutschland.de

5. Police Response to the Mentally Ill

"People with Mental Illness" (NCJ 214561) (82 pp.) describes the challenges police face when dealing with people who have mental illness. This guide is an essential tool to help local law enforcement analyze their local problems associated with people who have mental illness; it also reviews responses to these problems based on evaluative research and police practice. http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/mime/open.pdf?Item=1731

6. Protecting Children From Sexual Exploitation

"Child Pornography on the Internet" (NCJ 214562) (102 pp.) describes the problem and reviews the factors that increase the risks of Internet child pornography. It then identifies a series of questions that may assist in the analysis of the problem and reviews responses based on evaluative research and police practice. http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/mime/open.pdf?Item=1729

7. Expenditure on Crime in the Netherlands

In order to increase safety and maintain the rule of law the government needs to respond to crime. This carries a cost. The government’s response to crime is accompanied by a corresponding response from the corporate sector and private individuals. Citizens and businesses that (expect to) sustain damage, are taking initiatives to limit this damage. This too carries a cost. In this report, published by the Dutch WODC http://www.wodc.nl/, three key questions are tackled: How much does the government spend on combating crime and on enforcing criminal law, and how has this developed in the period 1995-2004? How much are citizens and the corporate sector spending on prevention in 2004? How high is the financial damage caused by crime in 2004? Government expenditure for combating crime and law enforcement has increased from 2.5 billion euro in 1995 to 4.2 billion euro in 2004. This is an increase of 70%. Per capita this amounts to € 260, which is approximately € 100 euro more than in 1995. Most money is spent on investigation and prevention, the least on victim care. Execution also claims a large part of the budget. In 2004, expenditure per recorded crime amounts to almost 3,200 euro as opposed to more than 2,000 euro in 1995. This is an increase of 57%. The total cost of crime in the Netherlands is 20 billion euro on an annual basis. This is more than € 1,200 per capita. In this respect the Dutch expenditure on the combating of crime and law enforcement does not differ very much from other countries. http://www.wodc.nl/eng/Images/me2006-1_full%20text_tcm12-111787.pdf

8. iDetective – Automated Research For Brand Piracy on the Internet

Faking products is called brand or product piracy. It violates brand, patent, author’s or other commercial rights and makes illegal use of them. According to the DIHK (Deutscher Industrie- und Handelskammertag – German Chamber of Commerce and Industry) the damage to the economic system is an estimated 30 billion Euros per year in Germany alone. To this adds the destruction of an estimated 70,000 jobs during the past years. Human internet detectives are searching the worldwide web in order to discover suspicious cases. The iDetective monitoring and analysing tool allows them to efficiently record analyse web contents based on customer-specific criteria. Internet auctioneers (e.g. eBay), price search machines or URLs mentioned in chat-rooms are searched. Source: Fraunhofer Institut für grafische Datenverarbeitung; http://www.igd.fhg.de/igd-a8/de/projects/watermarks/idetective/index.html

9. Security Technology for Graphic and Communication Systems

Since April 2006 a consortium of 12 partners has been developing 3D face recognition systems for border check with the project 3D Face sponsored by the EU. The project is provided with 12 million Euros for a period of 36 months. The Fraunhofer-Institut für Graphische Datenverarbeitung IGD is in charge of the sub-project „Research and Technology“ and thus responsible for developing prototypes. Source: http://www.igd.fhg.de/igd-a8/de/

10. Prejudice Against Turkish Juveniles?

This problem is subject of a dissertation made at Bielefeld University: Christian Babka von Gostomski: In Vorurteilen gegenüber türkischen Jugendlichen vereint? A desintegration-theoretically led longitudinal analysis to determine the attitude of ethnic German Juveniles and young repatriates towards Turkish juveniles based on data of the IKG youth panel 2001-2003. Dissertation at Bielefeld University School of Education (Download at: http://bieson.ub.uni-bielefeld.de/volltexte/2006/870/ )

11. Use of Firearms and Violent Crime

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) offers various reports on this topic: the fifth report in its gun violence series: Reducing Gun Violence: Community Problem Solving in Atlanta. Facing high levels of juvenile gun violence, Atlanta formed partnerships with community groups and Federal, State, and local law enforcement to implement a strategic plan to break the chain of illegal events that lead to gun violence. The report describes the program's problem-solving methods, the tactics and strategies used, and the lessons for other communities. Reducing Gun Violence: Community Problem Solving in Atlanta, is available online at the National Institute of Justice Web site: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/pubs-sum/209800.htm Visit the links below for additional publications in the Reducing Gun Violence Series (for internet-version of Police-Newsletter only!): Reducing Gun Violence: Operation Ceasefire in Los Angeles Reducing Gun Violence: The St. Louis Consent-to-Search Program Reducing Gun Violence: Evaluation of the Indianapolis Police Department's Directed Patrol Project Reducing Gun Violence: The Boston Gun Project's Operation Ceasefire

TF (Thanks to H.-J. Kerner)

12. Community Crime Analysis

The Study „Kommunale Kriminalitätsanalyse. Auswertung offizieller Kriminalitätsdaten und einer Bürgerbefragung zum Sicherheitsgefühl in der Kommune“ by Werner Rüther (kassel university press , ISBN 3-89958-135-0 , 2005 , 280 pages) is available free of charge at

http://www.upress.uni-kassel.de/abstracts_fr/3-89958-135-0.html (full-text versions, cannot be printed) and as printable file against 10.00 Euro or as book against 19,00 Euro .

13. Neue Auflage des European Sourcebook

The "European Sourcebook of Crime and Criminal Justice Statistics - 2006" is available from the homepage of Research and Documentation Centre of the Dutch Ministry of Justice Holländischen Justizministeriums in Den Haag (WODC / RDC) as pdf in full or parts at http://www.wodc.nl/eng/Onderzoeken/Onderzoek_416.asp, free of charge.