Marissa P. Levy

Repeat Victimization: A Study of Auto Theft in Atlantic City Using the WALLS Variables to Measure Environmental Indicators

The study of the repeat victimization phenomenon is at the forefront of research in environmental criminology and situational crime prevention (SCP). This study utilizes a unique approach in that it compares data collected at two points in time as well as locations that experienced only one auto theft to those that experienced more than one. Five variables were measured at both points in time using the Watchers, Activity Nodes, Location, Lighting and Security indices (WALLS). Independent samples t tests were conducted for the WALLS variables while comparing data from 2004-2005 to 2006-2007. Findings indicate stability in the Watchers, Activity Nodes, and Lighting indices but statistically significant differences in the Watchers (day traffic variable) and Location and Security indices. The “Location” variable continues to be a significant predictor of repeat auto theft victimization. This suggests a need to closely examine the parking structures and street layout to determine how they can be altered to design out crime.

Density, Inmate Assaults, and Direct Supervision Jails:

Researchers have completed several studies on the effects of density on violence in prisons and jails, but little work has been done on densitys impact on direct supervision jails. Direct supervision facilities, also known as new generation jails, were created by the Federal Bureau of Prisons with the goal of reducing violence, suicide and disorder. Given the crowded conditions in most jails across the country, it is important to determine the impact, if any, that density has on the operations of these jails. The current study involves an analysis of density on assaults in nearly 150 direct supervision jails. The results indicate that neither spatial nor social density are predictors of violence in these jails. Several direct supervision jail characteristics are also included in the analysis, but they are not associated with reported assaults. The racial composition of inmates, location of the jail, and number of inmates each officer is permitted to supervise predicted assaults.

An Evaluation of an HIV Testing Program in the Jail Setting: Results and Recommendations

Prison and jail inmates tend to be involved disproportionately in behavior that places them at risk for HIV transmission. The state of New Jersey, and its urban areas in particular, has a high rate of African American residents living with HIV or AIDS. In an effort to reach several urban areas where individuals have not yet been diagnosed, a southern New Jersey county jail has begun offering free rapid HIV tests on a voluntary basis. Results indicate that correctional facilities were among the most common places for inmates to receive testing and that those tested were involved in numerous high-risk sexual and/or drug activities. Recommendations for future testing and education programs are provided.

Predictors of Suicide in New Generation Jails

Podular direct supervision jails, also called new generation jails, have been credited by practitioners and some researchers with reducing violence, stress, and suicide among inmates. A recent national comparison of these facilities with more traditional jails revealed that the direct supervision institutions were no less likely than the other jails to experience inmate suicides. The current study involves a closer look at the podular direct supervision facilities. The purpose of this study is to determine which jail characteristics are predictors of suicide. Results indicate that the jail environment and the number of inmate-inmate assaults are predictors of jail suicides. Jails that provide an environment that allows inmates to control lighting, control entrance and exits of cells, and have materials that reduce echoes were less likely to report a suicide in 2003 than those that did not offer those features. Jails with a lower number of inmate-inmate assaults were also less likely to report a suicide in 2003.

Visitation Modality Preferences for Adults Visiting Jails

The development of technology has introduced new options for prison and jail visits, including video visits from jail lobbies and remote video from virtually anywhere. Researchers surveyed visitors to three jails who were participating in either on-site visits through Plexiglas, lobby video visits, or remote video visits. On-site Plexiglas visitors rated their visits as more stressful and time-consuming, while remote video visitors were most likely to indicate that it was difficult to locate finances for the visit. Visitors expressed a preference for contact visits but noted that remote video visits were likely to be the most convenient.

Inmate Visitation: Visitor Preferences Regarding the Best Visitation Modality for Children

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to explore correctional facility visitation practices with regard to children. Visitors were asked their opinions about their decision to allow children to visit inmates and whether that decision could be influenced by the availability of different visitation modalities. Visitors from three jails offer opinions about the experiences of children visiting via three different modalities: those who visit face-to-face with Plexiglas between child and visitor, those using on-site video visitation from the lobby of a facility, and those using remote video visitation where the visitor utilizes a personal computer and video camera to connect with the inmate. Results indicate that, despite many advantages of in-person visitation, remote video visitation may be best for children.

The Impact of Gender and Early Delinquency on Reoffending: A Life History Perspective

Abstract In New Jersey, conversations within a statewide antiviolence initiative stimulated the idea to begin interviewing local repeat offenders to uncover the root of their criminal trajectories. Capturing the life histories of recidivists provides a rich understanding of how these individuals entered and remained in a criminal lifestyle. Employing qualitative methods, 20 men and women were interviewed in a local county jail and asked to describe numerous aspects of their lives that may have contributed to their criminal outcome. Similarities and differences are described between and among the men and women.

Criminal Justice Professionals’ Knowledge of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and Compliance with IRB Protocol

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) perform an essential function in the protection of human participants. A survey was conducted on Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences members to determine their perceptions of IRBs as well as their knowledge of IRB principles and the extent to which they follow IRB protocol. Size of the researcher’s institution, number of research articles, number of years in active research, and number of external grants were also studied in relation to knowledge of IRB guidelines and number of IRB protocol infractions. Findings include significant correlations between involvement in research and engaging in research activities that are against IRB rules.