Kristie R. Blevins

Examining Sex Work from the Client's Perspective: Assessing Johns Using on-line Data

Academic research on prostitution focuses on the prostitute, rather than the clients, who are called johns. This limits our understanding of the methods and reasons individuals solicit sex. However, johns increasingly use computer mediated communications to discuss sex work. Their comments provide insight into the attitudes and methods of johns. This qualitative study utilizes a sample of posts from active Web forums for johns in 10 U.S. cities. The findings indicate the importance of on-line discussions for johns to identify and solicit sex workers, as well as manage external risks. Implications for law enforcement and deviance research are also discussed.

A General Strain Theory of Prison Violence and Misconduct: An Integrated Model of Inmate Behavior

Explanations of prison violence and other forms of misconduct have been dominated by three competing models: (a) the deprivation model, (b) the importation model, and (c) the coping model. We propose that these three seemingly competing models can be integrated within Agnew’s general strain theory (GST). GST enriches the deprivation model by revealing three distinctive categories of strain. GST encompasses the importation model in hypothesizing that criminal cultural values and affiliations will structure the response to the strains of imprisonment. And GST incorporates the coping model in its emphasis on how social support, social capital, and human capital can blunt the effects of potentially criminogenic strains. Finally, GST is sufficiently broad to include factors (e.g., emotions, self-control) in the explanation of prison maladjustment not covered by the three main models of prison inmate behavior. In short, GST offers a general integrated framework for reconceptualizing our understanding of prison violence and misconduct.

Considering the pedophile subculture online

The development of the Internet and computer-mediated communications has fostered the growth of a wide range of deviant sexual behaviors along with deviant subcultures that support and approve of these behaviors. Some of these practices pose little risk to public safety, though acts such as pedophilia and the creation and distribution of child pornography have significant negative ramifications for victims. A growing literature has examined the function of the Internet for child pornography distribution, social networks of pedophiles, and tactics of child solicitation. Few, however, have explored the utility of the Internet to develop a subculture of pedophiles and its role in fostering attitudes and justifications for relationships with children. This study will explore the subcultural norms and enculturation of the pedophile community using a qualitative analysis of five Web forums run by and for pedophiles. The findings suggest that the values of the pedophile culture support and encourage emotional and, in some cases, sexual relationships with boys and girls in virtual and real settings. Implications for the study of pedophiles and the role of the Internet are explored.

Examining the Virtual Subculture of Johns

The growth of the Internet and computer-mediated communications has enabled the formation of a variety of deviant subcultures online, particularly among sexual deviants.This qualitative study examines the subculture of the male heterosexual clients of sex workers by exploring their argot. Using a sample of posts from Web forums in ten U.S. cities, this study identifies three subcultural norms that structure beliefs and attitudes about sex work among johns: experience, commodification, and sexuality. The influence of computer-mediated communications on the formation of subcultures and argot are explored as well.

The Rise and Fall of Boot Camps: A Case Study in Common-Sense Corrections.

Abstract “Common sense” is often used as a powerful rationale for implementing correctional programs that have no basis in criminology and virtually no hope of reducing recidivism. Within this context, we undertake a case study in “common-sense” corrections by showing how the rise of boot camps, although having multiple causes, was ultimately legitimized by appeals to common sense. We also reveal, however, how sustained, rigorous research attenuated this legitimacy and contributed to the diminished appeal of boot camps. The “fall” of this sanction suggests that evidence-based corrections may, at times, compete successfully with common-sense corrections. The policy and practice implications of this observation are explored.

Examining Diffusion and Arrest Avoidance Practices Among Johns

Research from the rational choice perspective found that some offenders adapt to law enforcement strategies using various tactics to decrease the risk of detection. Few have considered the effect that this has for criminals who engage in high and low visibility offending, as well as the ways in which arrest avoidance practices are communicated between and among offenders. In this qualitative study, the authors explore these issues using a sample of posts from Web forums for the customers of prostitutes in 10 cities in the United States. This analysis finds that johns openly discussed, shared, and used a variety of methods to decrease the risk of arrest as well as informal threats, such as assault or theft. Implications for law enforcement and rational choice theory are also discussed.

Examining Job Stress and Satisfaction Among Digital Forensic Examiners

A significant body of research has developed focusing on the occupational reactions of police officers and criminal justice system employees. Few studies have, however, examined the way that digital forensic analysts working with computerized evidence experience and respond to work stress. This study addresses this gap in the literature through an analysis of job satisfaction and stress in the work experiences of a sample of 56 digital forensic analysts. The findings suggest that analysts experience a moderate amount of work stress, high levels of job satisfaction, and utilize prosocial coping strategies to deal with these stresses.

The Correctional Orientation of “Child Savers”: Support for Rehabilitation and Custody Among Juvenile Correctional Workers

Abstract Several studies have explored levels and sources of support for rehabilitation and custody among correctional workers. However, the vast majority of this type of research has been conducted in adult facilities, and there are few existing studies that use samples of juvenile correctional workers. To help address this gap in the literature, we use a secondary dataset to examine the levels and sources of correctional orientations among a sample of juvenile correctional workers in Ohio. The results revealed that, like adult correctional workers and the general public, these juvenile correctional workers supported bothrehabilitation and custody. An examination of the possible sources of the two orientations indicated that there was a large degree of consensus regarding rehabilitation, while support for custody varied primarily by individual characteristics.

Incarcerated Mothers and Child Visitation A Law, Social Science, and Policy Perspective

This article examines the issue of child visitation for criminally confined mothers. This topic is assessed, mindful of what the social science literature reports, especially in regards to recidivism trends, community reintegration concerns, and prospects for successful family reunification. A 2002 National Institute of Corrections study found that only six states had legislation in place regarding incarcerated mothers and their children. Of these six states, California and Florida have statutes that deal substantively with the issue of visitation. Accordingly, this article considers the extent to which the relevant research informs (or not) those state statutes that comment on the issue of visitation for criminally confined mothers. Where deficiencies are noted between “law on the books” and “law in practice” (including the considerable lack of state statutes on the subject), a series of criminal justice policy reforms are proposed, consistent with the empirical findings.

Examining the stress, satisfaction, and experiences of computer crime examiners

While the stress of policing has been well documented for more traditional law enforcement duties, stress and job satisfaction among cybercrime investigators remains limited. This study examined the stress and job satisfaction from a sample of law enforcement agents who completed computer training from the National White Collar Crime Center and who had experience with digital evidence handling. The results show that role conflict was the most salient factor in predicting both stress and satisfaction. Experience with digital evidence handling increased job stress, but was not predictive of job satisfaction. The implications of the study are discussed.