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Concern about the risk of consumer fraud victimization among the elderly has led to programs that disseminate fraud prevention information and provide services. However, little is known about how seniors access such information or learn about or contact these programs. Drawing on scholarship on fraud, media consumption, and the fear of crime, this study contributes to efforts to understand and reduce consumer fraud victimization. Analyses of data from adults age 60 and above demonstrate that certain segments of the elderly population access a greater variety of information sources to learn about fraud prevention. In turn, such access is associated with greater fraud prevention program awareness and contact., Keywords: consumer fraud, crime prevention, elderly victimization, Publication Note: The version of record can be found at https://www.doi.org/10.1177/0011128714555759., Grant Number: 2010-IJ-CX-0008
Many states currently are implementing “get tough” sentencing reforms in juvenile justice. Surprisingly, however, little attention has been given to evaluation issues identified by the adult justice sentencing literature as critical to assessments of efficacy. Analysis of one recent juvenile justice sentencing reform in Texas – determinate sentencing – provides an opportunity to highlight such issues and to demonstrate their relevance to assessment of other states’ juvenile justice sentencing reforms. This article identifies the failure to attend adequately to design, implementation, use, and assessment issues, including identification of potential unintended effects, as barriers to effective evaluation of these reforms.
This is a report of an action-research project undertaken in tandem with the development of a new freshman seminar in criminology and criminal justice. In the freshman seminar the goal is to teach the research, critical thinking and writing skills that are the underpinnings of scholarship and good citizenship. Utilizing a unique approach, this class focuses on resources available through the University library and is taught by a professor, two librarians and a graduate teaching assistant. We hypothesize that freshmen who experience this seminar will show improvement in critical thinking skills, and that this will contribute to greater levels of academic success. This report describes the educational innovation (seminar) in sufficient detail to make replication possible, and presents preliminary findings that indicate the seminar enhances research and writing skills, fosters ability to think critically, and has a positive influence on students’ academic careers., Keywords: Criminology, Criminal justice, Critical thinking, Writing, Innovations, Academic librarians, Publication Note: This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis Group in the Journal of Criminal Justice Education on 6/12/2015, available online: https://doi.org/10.1080/10511253.2015.1052002
Purpose
The past decade has been witness to a proliferation of calls for evidence-based juvenile court sanctions—including various programs, interventions, services, and strategies or approaches—that reduce recidivism and improve mental health, drug dependency, and education outcomes. At the same time, an emerging body of work has identified “proven,” “evidence-based,” “best practice,” or, more generally, “effective” efforts to achieve these outcomes. Even so, grounds for concern exist regarding the evidence-base for these and other sanctions.
Methods
This paper describes the heterogeneity of sanctioning within juvenile justice and argues that, despite substantial advances in research, the heterogeneity severely delimits the generalizability of evaluations to date. It also raises questions about how much is in fact known about the effectiveness of many juvenile justice sanctions.
Conclusion
Extant research offers grounds for optimism. Even so, explicit articulation of the limitations of this research and the need for studies that examine external validity is important for developing evidence about “what works” in juvenile justice. Implications for research and policy are discussed., Publication Note: The author's accepted manuscript of this article is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/legalcode The publisher's version can be found at http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2011.09.006, Preferred Citation: Mears, Daniel P., Joshua C. Cochran, Sarah J. Greenman, Avinash S. Bhati, and Mark A. Greenwald. 2011. “Evidence on the Effectiveness of Juvenile Court Sanctions.” Journal of Criminal Justice 39(6):509-520.
The “get-tough” era of punishment led to exponential growth in the rate of incarceration in the United States. Recent reviews of the literature indicate, however, that limited rigorous research exists examining the effect of imprisonment on the likelihood of future offending. As a result, scholars have called for assessment of this relationship, while using methodologies that can better account for selection effects. This study addresses these calls directly by applying regression discontinuity, a methodology well suited to account for selection bias, on a cohort of felony offenders in Florida. Results suggest that prison, as compared to non-incarcerative sanctions, has no appreciable impact on recidivism. Although no differential effects surfaced across race/ethnicity, the analyses indicated that imprisonment exerts a differential effect by gender with the effect being more criminogenic among males than females., Keywords: regression discontinuity design, prison, corrections, specific deterrence, recidivism, Publication Note: The version of record can be found at https://www.doi.org/10.1080/07418825.2016.1219762.
Minority threat theory has been used to explain sentencing decisions, but rarely has the theory’s logic been assessed by examining changes in threat. Building on prior theoretical and empirical research, we develop hypotheses about the direct and interactive effects of changes in racial and ethnic threat on sentencing. We test the hypotheses using data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ State Court Processing Statistics program and other sources. The results indicate that increased racial threat contributes to a greater probability of receiving a prison sentence when baseline levels of threat are high. Less support is found for an effect of changes in ethnic threat. We find no support for arguments that minority threat effects are greater among minority defendants, but we do find support for the argument that threat effects are greater among violent and drug offenders. We discuss the implications of the findings for theory, research, and policy., Publication Note: Publisher's version available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0022427810375576, Preferred Citation: Wang, Xia, and Daniel P. Mears. 2010. “Examining the Direct and Interactive Effects of Changes in Racial and Ethnic Threat on Sentencing Decisions.” Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency 47(4):522-557.
Gender is one of the strongest correlates of delinquent behavior, but gender differences in delinquency have proven difficult to explain. Some analysts have called for gender-specific theories of delinquency, while others argue that males and females are differentially exposed to or differentially affected by the same criminogenic conditions. Building on the latter approach, this paper draws on Sutherland's theory of differential association and Gilligan's theory of moral development to argue that males and females are differentially affected by exposure to delinquent peers. Analysis of data from the National Youth Survey supports the hypothesis that moral evaluations act as a barrier to reduce or counteract the influence of delinquent peers among females, thereby producing large observed sex differences in delinquent behavior.
Despite large-scale increases in juvenile incarceration rates nationally, rela-tively little attention has been given to explaining why some states invest more heavily than others in the long-term confinement of young offenders. This article explores four potential explanations. First, investment in juvenile incarceration may be greater where symbolic threats to social order are higher. Second, it may be greater in states where crime, especially juvenile violent crime, is more prevalent. Third, juvenile incarceration practices may simply reflect those deemed suitable for adult offenders; thus, states with higher adult incarceration rates may incarcerate more juveniles. Finally, cul-tural acceptance of punitive policies, as in the South, may contribute to higher rates of juvenile incarceration. Using state-level data, the article focuses primarily on the first explanation and the extent to which the alter-natives can account for any observed symbolic threat effect. The study’s implications for policy and research are discussed., Keywords: juvenile, incarceration, symbolic threat, Publication Note: The version of record can be found at https://www.doi.org/10.1177/0032885506294237
Objectives To examine whether differential exposure to pre- and perinatal risk factors explained differences in levels of self-regulation between children of different races (White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Other). Methods Multiple regression models based on data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (n approximate to 9,850) were used to analyze the impact of pre- and perinatal risk factors on the development of self-regulation at age 2 years. Results Racial differences in levels of self-regulation were observed. Racial differences were also observed for 9 of the 12 pre-/perinatal risk factors. Multiple regression analyses revealed that a portion of the racial differences in self-regulation was explained by differential exposure to several of the pre-/perinatal risk factors. Specifically, maternal age at childbirth, gestational timing, and the family's socioeconomic status were significantly related to the child's level of self-regulation. These factors accounted for a statistically significant portion of the racial differences observed in self-regulation. Conclusions The findings indicate racial differences in self-regulation may be, at least partially, explained by racial differences in exposure to pre- and perinatal risk factors., Keywords: behavioral-problems, care, disparities, health, low-birth-weight, metaanalysis, outcomes, personalized medicine, sample, Smoking, Publication Note: The publisher’s version of record is available at http://www.dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0141954
This study investigates extradyadic sex (EDS) among contemporary opposite-sex married and cohabiting young adults and examines how EDS is associated with union dissolution. By analyzing data from 8301 opposite-sex spouses and cohabiters in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, we estimate the prevalence of self-reported EDS, reports of partners' EDS, and reports of mutual EDS (i.e., both partners' engagement in EDS). Roughly 1 in 4 respondents reported that either they, their partner or both engaged in EDS. Young men were more likely than women to self-report EDS, while young women were more likely to report partners' EDS. Relative to no EDS, partners' EDS was associated with union dissolution, but self-reported EDS and mutual EDS were not. A partner's EDS was also associated with union dissolution relative to self-reported EDS. Associations between a partner's EDS and dissolution were consistent among spouses and cohabiters and among men and women., Keywords: Cohabitation, Divorce, Extradyadic sex, Infidelity, Union dissolution, Grant Number: P01 HD031921, P2C HD041025, R24 HD041025, Publication Note: This NIH-funded author manuscript originally appeared in PubMed Central at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5300748.
Prisoner reentry constitutes one of the central criminal justice challenges confronting U.S. society. Coinciding with this emerging social problem has been increased policymaker interest in faith-based programs to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations, including released prisoners. Critical questions about the nature and effects of faith-based reentry programs remain largely unaddressed, however: (1) What is a “faith-based” program? (2) How does or could such a program reduce recidivism and improve other behavioral outcomes among released offenders? (3) What is the evidence concerning the impacts of faith-based reentry programs? (4) What are critical implementation issues that may affect the operations and impacts of such programs? This article examines each of these questions and identifies critical conceptual, theoretical, and research gaps in the literature. It highlights that the term “faith-based” is used inconsistently, that the precise causal relationship, if any, between various measures of faith and crime remains in question, and that few rigorous evaluations of faith-based reentry programs exist. It then discusses recommendations for improving knowledge and practice., Keywords: faith-based, religion, prisoner reentry, effectiveness, Publication Note: The version of record can be found at https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2006.05.002., Grant Number: 2004-DD-BX-1123
Despite the critical importance of process evaluations to enhancing the efficiency and long-term effectiveness of chemical dependency treatment programs, attention to process-related dimensions of treatment programming has been largely neglected. Using data collected on youthful offenders with chemical dependency treatment needs in the Texas Youth Commission (TYC), this paper provides a systematic and empirical process evaluation of factors associated with successful program progress in TYC’s Chemical Dependency Treatment Program (CDTP). Analyses focus on appropriate program placement and whether and to what extent risk, dynamic/criminogenic need, behavioral, and treatment amenability factors are related to several key measures of program progress, including completion/expulsion, days to completion/expulsion, and performance, as well as to variation among these outcomes across treatment sites. Policy and research implications of these analyses and of process evaluations then are discussed., Publication Note: Publisher’s version of record available at http://tpj.sagepub.com/content/81/2/246.short, Preferred Citation: Mears, Daniel P., William R. Kelly, and Emily D. Durden. 2001. “Findings from a Process Evaluation of a Statewide Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program for Youthful Offenders.” The Prison Journal 81(2):246-270.
Purpose
This study examines gender differences in the effectiveness of prison in reducing recidivism.
Methods
Using data on released male and female prisoners, we apply a propensity score matching methodology to compare the effects of prison on recidivism versus three counterfactual conditions—jail, intensive probation, and probation.
Results
The analyses indicated that a prison term, as compared to placement on intensive probation or traditional probation, is associated with a greater likelihood of property and drug recidivism. There was little evidence that recidivism was greater when compared to jail, that prison increased the likelihood of violent or other recidivism, or that the criminogenic effect of prison is appreciably greater for females or males.
Conclusions
The findings do not support arguments that prison is an effective alternative to non-incarcerative punishments or that it exerts a differential effect on females or males. Further research is needed on what features of the prison experience contribute to the observed effects., Publication Note: The author's accepted manuscript of this article is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/legalcode The publisher's version can be found at http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2012.06.009, Preferred Citation: Mears, Daniel P., Joshua C. Cochran, and William D. Bales. 2012. “Gender Differences in the Effects of Prison on Recidivism.” Journal of Criminal Justice 40(5):370-378.
Despite recent “get tough” trends in juvenile justice, relatively little is known about support for
sanctioning youths in adult courts. In response, this study examines several neglected explanatory
factors, including links between marital status, political orientation, and philosophy of
punishment. Analysis of data from the 1995 National Opinion Survey of Crime and Justice
suggests that marital status and philosophy of punishment are consistently associated with
support for adult sanctioning of youths when the offense involves any of three categories of
offenses (selling illegal drugs or committing property or violent crime). It also suggests that
marital status conditions the effect of philosophy of punishment, an effect itself conditioned by
political orientation when the offense involves selling illegal drugs. Research and policy
implications are discussed., Publication Note: Publisher’s version of record available at http://cjb.sagepub.com/content/28/2/206.short, Preferred Citation: Mears, Daniel P. 2001. “Getting Tough with Juvenile Offenders: Explaining Support for Sanctioning Youths as Adults.” Criminal Justice and Behavior 28(2):206-226.
Objectives: This study examines the effect of prison visitation on the probability of inmate misconduct.
Method: Our sample is an admissions cohort of over 7,000 inmates admitted to Florida correctional facilities between 2000 and 2002. The authors conducted multilevel analyses of the week-to-week association between officially recorded disciplinary infractions and prison visits, including spousal, significant other, parental, relative, and friend visits.
Results: The probability of an in-prison infraction declines in anticipation of visits, increases immediately following visits, and then gradually declines to average levels. This pattern is relatively consistent across visitors and infraction types but is strongest for spousal visits and contraband infractions. More frequent visits are associated with a more rapid postvisit decline.
Conclusions: If visits reduce the pains of imprisonment or increase social control, then these effects may be too short-lived to create lasting improvements in the behavior of individuals while incarcerated. Future research should attempt to replicate and explain these findings and examine the longer term effects of visitation on inmate adjustment during and after incarceration., Publication Note: Originally published in the Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency. You can find the publisher's version at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0022427812449470, Preferred Citation: Siennick, Sonja E., Daniel P. Mears, and William D. Bales. 2013. “Here and Gone: Anticipation and Separation Effects of Prison Visits on Inmate Infractions.” Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency 50(3):417-444.
Violent victimization-particularly when it happens to young people-can inflict a wide array of negative consequences across the life course. Nevertheless, some victims are more likely to suffer these consequences than others, and we do not have a very good understanding of why that is. One promising avenue of research is to examine how individuals' differential risks of being victimized affect the extent to which they experience negative outcomes. By using propensity score matching and data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 8,323), in this study I estimate the heterogeneous effects of adolescent violent victimization on several problematic outcomes in early adulthood (violent and property offending, subsequent violent victimization, depressive symptoms, hard drug use, and low educational attainment). Individuals' differential risks of adolescent violent victimization are estimated with a host of personal, social, and contextual factors, including prior experiences with crime and violence. The results show that the consequences of adolescent victimization in early adulthood are more pronounced for youth with the lowest risks of being victimized. These findings have important implications for theory, research, and practice, and they emphasize that the consequences of victimization cannot be understood separately from the sources of victimization., Keywords: consequences, self-control, intimate partner violence, adolescence, adverse childhood experiences, peer victimization, community violence, cumulative disadvantage, dating violence, early adulthood, heterogeneous treatment effects, risky life-styles, substance-use, victim-offender overlap, violent victimization, Publication Note: The publisher's version of record is available at https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-9125.12198
Despite concerns whether supermaximum security prisons violate human rights or prove effective, these facilities have proliferated in America over the past 25 years. This punishment—aimed at the “worst of the worst” inmates and involving 23-hr-per-day single-cell confinement with few privileges or services—has emerged despite little evidence that the public supports it. Based on public opinion survey data, this study identified the extent to which support exists for supermax prisons and so tested three interrelated hypotheses about variation in public views. The focal contention is that support can be linked to groups that are most concerned with symbolic threats, to those most embracing of a belief in individual agency, and to those who have had negative contacts with offenders. The article concludes with a discussion on implications for theory, research, and policy., Publication Note: Published version available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0011128708330851, Preferred Citation: Mears, Daniel P., Christina Mancini, Kevin Beaver, and Marc Gertz. 2013. “Housing for the ‘Worst of the Worst’ Inmates: Public Support for Supermax Prisons.” Crime and Delinquency 59(4):587-615.
Publication Note: Publisher’s version of record available at http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/fsr.2002.14.5.284?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents, Preferred Citation: Mears, Daniel P. 2002. “Immigration and Crime: What’s the Connection?” Federal Sentencing Reporter 14(5):1-5.
Throughout the past century, American citizens and policymakers have expressed concern about immigration and crime, and especially the nexus of the two. The concerns appear to be driven by sudden increases in immigration and crime or by political or economic events. Whatever the proximate cause, immigration and crime are viewed as inextricably linked. We should anticipate, therefore, a firmly developed set of supporting facts. Immigrants presumably are more likely to commit crimes than non-immigrants, cities with greater proportions of immigrants must have higher crime rates, and nationally, when immigration increases, crime increases as well. Presumably, too, research refutes the notion that immigrants commit less crime than non-immigrants or that immigrant crime is attributable to the social conditions immigrants face in U.S. society. Such firmly established research would suggest relatively obvious policy implications for controlling crime in the U.S. For example, policymakers might want to restrict immigration, legal or illegal, or increase law enforcement efforts aimed at incarcerating immigrant offenders. There is, however, one problem: Research to date has been plagued by considerable methodological problems, including reliance on the least useful and least accurate sources of data. Ironically, this research suggests that immigrants are less, not more, criminal than non-immigrants, and that immigration rates are largely unassociated with crime rates. This article reviews these and other issues. Specifically, it discusses research on the immigration-crime nexus and then identifies key issues relevant to understanding both the limitations of existing data and studies and the directions future research should explore. The article concludes by outlining several policy implications., Publication Note: The version of record can be found at https://www.doi.org/10.1525/fsr.2002.14.5.284.
If media accounts are to be believed, immigration to the United States is a primary cause of increased crime rates. Review of recent anti-crime policies targeting immigrants would lead one to the same conclusion. Yet, most empirical research suggests precisely the opposite conclusion: many immigrant groups consistently demonstrate significantly lower crime rates than that of native populations. Moreover, despite early sociological research focusing on the relationship between immigration and crime, relatively little attention has been given to a range of critical theoretical and methodological issues bearing on this relationship. Taking these observations as a point of departure, several critical theoretical and methodological issues are outlined to develop an analytical framework for more systematically guiding and assessing research on the immigration-crime nexus. It is concluded that such a framework is needed for developing improved theories and facts, as well as more efficient and effective policies., Publication Note: Publisher’s version of record available at http://spx.sagepub.com/content/44/1/1.short, Preferred Citation: Mears, Daniel P. 2001. “The Immigration-Crime Nexus: Toward an Analytic Framework for Assessing and Guiding Theory, Research, and Policy.” Sociological Perspectives 44(1):1-19.
