NCJ Number
212261
Journal
National Institute of Justice Journal Issue: 253 Dated: January 2006 Pages: 1-31
Date Published
January 2006
Length
31 pages
Publication Series
Annotation
This National Institute of Justice Journal issue features a number of articles on a variety of law enforcement and corrections topics.
Abstract
The six articles contained in this journal confront topics that range from a study of how DNA analysis helps solve property crimes to a study of the perceived benefits of police officers using automated information sharing programs. The first article discusses the unexpected benefits of conducting DNA analysis for high-volume property offenses, such as burglary and auto theft. Results of a program to reduce a DNA backlog indicated that DNA analysis proved useful in identifying suspects in high-volume property crimes and in linking crimes. The second article describes the results of a pilot program designed to evaluate the efficacy of using biometrics to track inmates within a correctional facility. Evaluation results indicated that finger and hand geometry were the most accurate methods while voice recognition was the least effective. The third article overviews and critiques computer models for solving crimes and concludes that while no single police technique will produce successful results every time, computer programs for solving crimes enhance traditional police work. The fourth article presents research showing how victims’ dissatisfaction with the criminal justice system in domestic violence cases discourages them from calling police during subsequent violent events. The fifth article presents research findings on police responses to officer-involved shootings that suggest officers do not suffer the long-term psychological damage previously thought to occur following an officer’s use of deadly force. The final article presents research findings on the attitudes of law enforcement officers toward automated information sharing which generally showed officers were in favor of automated information sharing but require a simple system design that will not provide more information than is necessary. This journal issue also contains several book reviews and a listing of publications of interest from NIJ. Tables, notes
Date Published: January 1, 2006