Anna Bussu

The bidirectional relationship between gambling and addictive substances

This study aims to analyse the co-occurrence of gambling activity and the consumption of addictive substances, such as tobacco, alcohol and drugs. By using a sample of 709 gamblers in Sardinia (Italy), a multivariate probit approach is proposed since it allows simultaneous study of the extent of correlation between the consumption of different substances. Our findings document that, on the one hand, betting more money leads to an increase in the propensity to consume tobacco in the middle of the game, and, on the other hand, the simultaneous co-occurrence of smoking, alcohol and drugs drives up the probability of getting more involved in gambling activity. Knowing the positive reinforcing effects of addictive substances is the first step towards implementing the most effective prevention and treatment modalities for problem/pathological gamblers.

In need of a cultural shift to promote restorative justice in Southern Europe

Abstract The article describes the main results of a European project on restorative justice (RJ) called Freedom Wings (FW) and presents a new model to promote RJ in Southern Europe, which was developed from FW findings. The principal mission of the FW project is to disseminate best practices of RJ within a transnational network and to promote community participation in conflict prevention and resolution, in order to support individual and social well-being. This paper presents the main findings of multiagency and professional focus groups exploring restorative approaches and community justice. Observation of experts’ social representation of RJ helped the authors to understand the operation of the justice systems in each country and the attitudes of senior officials towards implementing restorative practices in a way that actively involves the community. The analysis shows the necessity of a cultural change in order to switch from a form of RJ managed by the judicial system to one led by the community. The EU project enabled the research team to theorize a model for promoting a relational and restorative community.

Gathering evidence: problems, training requirements, and good practices in the Italian Judicial Police force

Abstract This paper studies the difficulties encountered by the Italian Judicial Police (IJP) in gathering evidence and conducting interrogations. Our research study highlighted several problems derived from a lack of adequate training in the following activities: gathering evidence from witnesses; preparing JP for giving evidence during trial and conducting ethical interrogations. Based on the findings of a qualitative research study involving the IJP, the author identifies areas where training is required and offers suggestions on how to carry out interrogations that protect both the person under interrogation and the Judicial Police (JPs) interrogating. In response to the problems highlighted by the JP, we suggest the following best practices: video recording of interrogations as a monitoring and training instrument; compulsory transcription of interrogation reports; addressing specific training needs for gathering evidence, and finally, establishing operational protocols and shared guidelines which could help to improve police performance and protect both police forces and citizens.