Douglas J. Boyle

Differentiating Between Generally and Partner-Only Violent Subgroups: Lifetime Antisocial Behavior, Family of Origin Violence, and Impulsivity

The present study examined self-reported lifetime antisocial behavior, family of origin violence, and impulsivity/behavioral disinhibition of 73 men entering treatment for partner violence. Participants were designated as generally violent (GV) (n = 46) or partner only violent (n = 27), based on self-reported violence against non-intimate individuals during the year prior to intake. As hypothesized, GV men reported more conduct disorder/delinquent behaviors, lifetime antisocial behaviors, and family of origin violence. The GV men also reported more behavioral disinhibition, however, group differences on impulsivity only approached statistical significance. In addition, as hypothesized, GV men reported they were more psychologically abusive toward their intimate partners. However, contrary to expectations, the subgroups did not differ on reports of physical violence toward their partners. This study employed a fairly simple technique of dividing men into groups based on self-reports of violence over the past year, thereby producing subgroups that differed on a number of important characteristics that may have implications for treatment. An advantage of this technique is that it would be relatively easy for other treatment programs to apply.

Police suicide: prevalence, risk, and protective factors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore risk and protective factors associated with suicidal ideation among law enforcement personnel.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology employed is based on the “Best Evidence Synthesis” approach, whereby researchers systematically examine and integrate the most empirically sound available research on the topic under investigation.Findings – Results of studies showed that the interaction of multiple risk factors had a cumulative effect in increasing the risk for suicidal ideation. In total, five prominent aspects of policing were associated with risk for suicidal ideation: organizational stress; critical incident trauma; shift work; relationship problems; and alcohol use and abuse. Studies also indicated that protective factors and preventative measures had stress‐buffering effects which decreased the impact of police stressors.Research limitations/implications – The model is limited because few studies have employed methodologically‐sound research des...

Individual-Level and Socio-Structural Characteristics of Violence: An Emergency Department Study

In this article, the authors present a data collection system to provide information about assault-related injuries within Newark, New Jersey. In 2001, Emergency Department (ED) staff at the six hospitals providing emergency medical care within the city collected data on all assault-related ED visits. Individual-level (n = 1,204) and neighborhood-level (n = 262) analyses were conducted; the latter used data from the 2000 U.S. Census. A hotspots map was also generated. At the individual level, one in three ED patients was assaulted by an intimate partner or other family member. In addition, African American males were disproportionately likely to be treated for assault-related injuries. At the socio-structural level, as hypothesized based on Social Disorganization Theory, hierarchical regression analyses reveal that poorer neighborhoods with more vacant housing units have significantly higher rates of assault-related injuries.

Sex Offender Risk Assessment, Sources of Variation, and the Implications of Misuse:

The current study examines whether or not prosecutors in New Jersey are properly using the state’s sex offender risk assessment tool, and the implications of improper implementation. All prosecutors and public defenders who handle Megan’s Law cases in New Jersey participated in two confidential surveys. The results of those surveys were used to score a fact pattern. Results reveal that prosecutors are not consistently implementing risk assessment, that there are several sources of disparities, and that these disparities can result in a substantial variation in risk assessment scores. The implications of these disparities are that offender risk is often over-classified, thereby increasing offender supervision costs and potentially compromising public safety. The authors make recommendations for formal training on the proper use of risk assessment tools, as well as an assessment supervision plan. Although this research was conducted in New Jersey, the findings have implications for risk assessment tools employed by other jurisdictions.

Conducting Criminological Research in a Hospital: The Results of Two Exploratory Studies and Implications for Prevention

This article discusses the results of two exploratory studies using hospital data on intentional assault injury. Study #1 was a two-year gunshot wound (GSW) surveillance effort (N = 920). A map of the EMS dispatch addresses revealed that certain neighborhoods were “hotspots” for gun violence. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that poverty, vacant housing and rental housing were significant predictors of a neighborhoods GSW rate. Study #2 involved interviews with assaulted patients (N = 30). More than half of the sample had been incarcerated, which is striking considering their young age (i.e., 21 years old and younger). Prevention implications of both studies are discussed.