Ken Peak

Crime in Indian country: Another "trail of tears"

Abstract This article explores the status of crime among the American Indian population. Quantitative information regarding Indian offenses and arrest is presented and placed into the large spectrum of social problems afflicting Indian society. Some quantitative comparisons are made with a similar study conducted in 1964. Trend analyses were performed, and projections are provided relevant to total, adult, and juvenile Indian arrest; rates of arrest for Total, UCR Part I, and alcohol-related offenses are also given. Indian crime data are compared with those of other ethnic groups. The Indian propensity for arrests involving alcohol-related offenses is discussed in detail. The frequency of crimes on- and off-reservation is analyzed, particularly with respect to violent crimes; data are examined to determine the most frequent types of police contacts that Indian offenders experience.

Assessing police training curricula: “Consumer reports”

Abstract As the demands placed on todays police continue to escalate, as well as accountability for police methods, so will the publics concern with the quality of police training. It has become increasingly important for police training to be assessed, to determine the propriety, adequacy, discernibility, and utility of the curriculum. The present study is replicable in other venues and provides a method for accomplishing such an assessment. It examines the state mandated P.O.S. T. academy training in Nevada as critically evaluated by their “consumers”: recent academy graduates. Included are discussions of the history and purpose of police academies and curriculum development, and the need to adequately train. The article closes with policy implications and recommendations for future research.

Veterans aging in place behind bars: a structured living program that works.

Although the absolute proportion of veterans compared with nonveterans in state and federal prison continues to decline, the number of older adult veterans who are imprisoned is rising. A multifaceted structured living program for geriatric prisoners in Nevada provides for the psychological, physical, and spiritual needs of aging incarcerated veterans. We hypothesized that the older adult veterans group would show more evidence of psychological and physical dysfunction, poor adjustment, and more life dissatisfaction than nonveterans because of high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression among this subgroup. Our second hypothesis was that both the veteran and nonveteran older adult prisoner groups would report that they benefited from the True Grit treatment program. Finally, because substantial components of True Grit program were designed to treat combat-related issues, we hypothesized that the older adult veteran group would be more satisfied with the True Grit program than the nonveteran group. Evaluation results from 111 inmates indicated high life satisfaction and daily physical functioning, low psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and somatization), moderate prison context stress, and extremely high satisfaction with this program. The True Grit program provides a supportive environment fostering more adaptive coping, thereby ameliorating a certain amount of prison stress, while promoting a healthier aging in place experience for the elder inmates.

The Quest for Alternatives to Lethal Force: A Heuristic View

The evolution of non-lethal weapons is traced, as developed for and used by law enforcement personnel from 1829 to present. This analysis is accomplished through an examination of product advertisements and technical updates in police trade magazines as well as a review of related literature. Also discussed are differences in the philosophy toward and the application of force by American and Japanese police. Implications for future research and development are given as well.

Criminal justice in the outland: The methods and promise of distance education

A relatively new concept, distance education via interactive television, is discussed as a means of instructing criminal justice students in remote venues. Specifically examined are the evolution of the concept, the technological progress and means that allow such a format, and the unique nature of instructional techniques employed. A case study of a distance education experience is also presented. Of primary note are the potential advantages of the concept for criminal justice departments serving extensive, remote areas or endeavoring to increase program enrollments.

Policing and Crime in Indian Country: History, Issues, Challenges

Before one can truly understand the American Indian system of policing, it is necessary to first examine its antecedents within the larger context of federal policy and relevant case law. Thus, we begin with a historical overview of American Indian policing and crime, and then discuss contemporary policing in Indian Country. Included is a review of the complex issue of criminal jurisdiction. Finally, the relationship between Indian and non-Indian criminality is presented, including comparisons of Indian Country Part I offenses and Part II arrests with that of the nation as a whole and other areas of domicile.

Criminal justice enters the womb: enforcing the "right" to be born drug-free

Abstract With simultaneous increases in drug-addicted newborns and convictions of women who delivered illegal drugs to their children in utero , a legal and moral dilemma has ensued: Whose “rights” should prevail—those of the infant to be born healthy and drug-free or those of the mother to privacy, bodily integrity, and equal protection under the law? This article examines this dilemma and the developing role of law and criminal justice regarding such behaviors. It discusses the effects of illegal drugs on fetuses, the punishment of improper maternal behavior generally, the rights of the unborn, and predominant arguments for and against such prosecutions. Also considered are equity issues and possible alternative means for coping with the problem.

On teaching comparative criminal justice: Lessons learned

This practice note describes an approach for developing and teaching a course in comparative criminal justice systems. Included are a rationale for the course, some suggestions for selecting venues, and the use of resource and lecture materials, subjective examinations, team presentations, book reviews, research papers, and miscellaneous matters (i.e., guest speakers, videos, and current events). Also discussed are problems involved in providing students with current library resources.

“Things Fearful to Name” An Overview Of Sex Crimes and Perversions:

This article examines sexual behaviors that are clearly abnormal in our society. While several of these described behaviors are not specifically deemed as being criminal in a statutory sense, it is emphasized that sex offenders tend to be diverse in their deviant practices and often graduate into practicing increasingly dangerous perversions. Also emphasized are some of the methods employed by sex offenders in locating and victimizing their targets. The discussion includes information that can be employed by criminal justice professionals for the purpose of identifying and investigating these aberrant activities.

The world's oldest tool for professional law enforcement: Historical and legal perspectives on the police baton

Abstract The widely viewed videotape of Rodney Kings beating in March 1991, by Los Angeles police officers using batons, placed police brutality and the use of non‐lethal police weapons firmly under public scrutiny. This article traces the development of the baton, the oldest and most fundamental law enforcement tool. Included are the batons physical evolution, expanded uses, court review of its application, potential for officer liability, and several existing training programs. The need is indicated for appropriate agency training and policies, as well as an understanding of the legal and ethical implications of employing this potentially lethal weapon.