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Title: The Relationship of State Political Instability and Economic Failure to Predatory Organized Crime in Multiple Nations: A Global Comparative Anaylsis.
Creator: Ruth, Terrance, Wan, Thomas, Zhang, Ning, Winton, Mark, Matusitz, Jonathan, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: ABSTRACTThis dissertation examines the relationship of political instability and economic failure to predatory organized crime in multiple nations. This is an important issue since each year the increase in predatory crime networks contributes to international economic failure, security risks, and the spread of organized crime. In an effort to understand the relationship between state failure and economic failure on the one hand, and organized crime on the other, this study will seek to...
Show moreABSTRACTThis dissertation examines the relationship of political instability and economic failure to predatory organized crime in multiple nations. This is an important issue since each year the increase in predatory crime networks contributes to international economic failure, security risks, and the spread of organized crime. In an effort to understand the relationship between state failure and economic failure on the one hand, and organized crime on the other, this study will seek to address three goals. First, the study tests the degree to which variables that imply economic failure and state failure correlate with predatory organized crime. Second, the study determines the extent of the relationship between the social and economic indicators and predatory organized crime in multiple nations. Third, the study examines the future implications of predatory organized crime predictor variables in the context of national strategies to eradicate or reduce organized crime.This study investigates the relationship in failed states between predatory crime groups and various economic and state stability indicators. In particular, this study examines the impact of seven predictor variables on the variation in Predatory Organized Crime in 122 countries. The findings suggest that the state failure hypothesis correctly articulates the failure of the state to offer key social goods such as security, stability, and justice, thereby producing an environment where crime groups assume state responsibilities. The findings also support the economic failure hypothesis that poor economic outcomes such as high unemployment, low SES, and a dependency on an underground economy encourage the development of criminal groups.The ultimate goal of this study is to assist policy makers, policy analysts, scholars, and officials at donor agencies and international financial institutions in establishing effective tools for identifying and removing predatory organized crime units. Analytical results provide general support to all hypotheses. Moreover, policy implications for predatory organized crime control in developing countries are discussed. The author's objective is to increase understanding of this issue and show the need for further research.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0005546, ucf:50296
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005546

Title: Crime--its causes and consequences.
Creator: Keracher, John
Date Issued: 1937
Identifier: 2660295, CFDT2660295, ucf:4990
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2660295

Title: A Look at Jail-Based Reentry Programs.
Creator: Weller, Mindy, Corzine, Harold, Ford, Jason, Gay, David, Potter, Roberto, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Over the years correctional-based reentry programs have gained the attention of academics and government officials alike. Academic research has focused primarily on programs implemented in prisons and juvenile facilities. Reentry programs operating out of jails have been vastly under represented amongst these studies. This research study works towards closing this gap by examining jail-based reentry programs by observing the influences of age, race, gender, level of offense (misdemeanor...
Show moreOver the years correctional-based reentry programs have gained the attention of academics and government officials alike. Academic research has focused primarily on programs implemented in prisons and juvenile facilities. Reentry programs operating out of jails have been vastly under represented amongst these studies. This research study works towards closing this gap by examining jail-based reentry programs by observing the influences of age, race, gender, level of offense (misdemeanor/felony), and program completion on recidivism. Findings were measured for both those who participated but did not complete the programs and those who successfully completed the programs. Data from three jail-based reentry programs in Florida were first analyzed using a Chi-square test and then through binary logistic regression. Determining the strength of the relationships between the independent variables facilitated contextualization of the binary logistic regression results. The results of this research are discussed, and additional directions for future jail-based reentry research are presented.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004456, ucf:49359
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004456

Title: From American Service to Disservice: An Exploration of the Impact of Military Experience among an Incarcerated Population.
Creator: Brooke, Erika, Gau, Jacinta, Paoline, Eugene, Jordan, Kareem, Vasquez, Joseph, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation research examines the impact of military service among an incarcerated population. It addresses the gaps identified within the prior literature by taking a closer look at the association between service experience and criminal justice outcomes. Specifically, the present study explores whether branch type, combat exposure, age of entrance, service length, and discharge status impact the number of lifetime arrests, current offense type, and institutional misconduct. This...
Show moreThis dissertation research examines the impact of military service among an incarcerated population. It addresses the gaps identified within the prior literature by taking a closer look at the association between service experience and criminal justice outcomes. Specifically, the present study explores whether branch type, combat exposure, age of entrance, service length, and discharge status impact the number of lifetime arrests, current offense type, and institutional misconduct. This research uses data from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics' 2004 Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities. Multivariate analyses indicate that different elements of military participation influence criminal and deviant behaviors. Length of service significantly impacted the quantity of lifetime arrests, whereas age of entry, combat experience, and service length were important conditions in offense types. Inmates with military experience were found to be more likely to participate in institutional misconduct. The following service elements were predictors of prison misconduct as well: age of entry, length of service, branch affiliation, and discharge status. The findings in this study have theoretical implications for the use of criminological theory in military service research, and they provide suggestions for future military and criminal justice policy development.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005766, ucf:50079
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005766

Title: THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND GUN CRIMES: A TIME SERIES ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF GUN TYPE AND GUN DENSITY.
Creator: Graham II, Matthew, Corzine, Jay, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Very few studies have explored the relationship between the availability of certain types of firearms and gun density on both gun aggravated assaults and gun homicides. Nonetheless, research by Koper (2001) discovered that the availability of more lethal types of firearms, not gun density, was directly related to an increase in gun homicide rates for Dallas. However, this study did not take into account certain social and economic variables that may strengthen or weaken the determined...
Show moreVery few studies have explored the relationship between the availability of certain types of firearms and gun density on both gun aggravated assaults and gun homicides. Nonetheless, research by Koper (2001) discovered that the availability of more lethal types of firearms, not gun density, was directly related to an increase in gun homicide rates for Dallas. However, this study did not take into account certain social and economic variables that may strengthen or weaken the determined relationship. The current study uses data previously analyzed by Koper (2001) and includes social and economic variables that have been linked to lethal violence while using gun aggravated assaults and gun homicides as the dependent variables. The results will help ascertain to what extent the impact of firearm availability on gun crimes is contingent on contextual factors.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001564, ucf:47147
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001564

Title: THE EVOLUTION OF HATE CRIMES AND THEIR REPRESENTATION ON STAGE.
Creator: Cortelli, Pietro, Weaver, Earl D., University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: My thesis focuses on how true-life events resulting from hate crimes have been theatricalized for the stage. My research discusses hate crimes that have occurred throughout history. My primary research centers on Ragtime (1897-1918), The Diary of Anne Frank (1939-1945) and The Laramie Project (2002), which deal with racism, anti-Semitism and homophobia, respectively. My intention is to highlight how theatre impacts the ideas and thoughts of audiences and transforms thinking and points of view...
Show moreMy thesis focuses on how true-life events resulting from hate crimes have been theatricalized for the stage. My research discusses hate crimes that have occurred throughout history. My primary research centers on Ragtime (1897-1918), The Diary of Anne Frank (1939-1945) and The Laramie Project (2002), which deal with racism, anti-Semitism and homophobia, respectively. My intention is to highlight how theatre impacts the ideas and thoughts of audiences and transforms thinking and points of view forever, as well as impacting cultures and our world. In addition, I discuss the historical measures that led to these events and progression in modern times. Music, art and theater are known as Ã‚Â"performing artsÃ‚Â" which enrich our lives and leave us feeling complete. They also have the power to influence people and open minds and hearts to different ways of thinking about the world and its people.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003458, ucf:48379
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003458

Title: Development of a Definition and Measure for the Study of Violent Mass Victimization.
Creator: Weller, Mindy, Corzine, Harold, Ford, Jason, Gay, David, Potter, Roberto, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: For decades there has been a growing body of literature and research on the topic of mass murder with no attention paid to incidents of mass violence whose death toll falls just short of the minimum three body requirement. The purpose of this study is to address this gap and develop a valid and reliable definitional measure for the future study of violent mass victimization events. A mixed methods approach was employed and consisted of assessing 1,118 news articles collected from 42 U.S....
Show moreFor decades there has been a growing body of literature and research on the topic of mass murder with no attention paid to incidents of mass violence whose death toll falls just short of the minimum three body requirement. The purpose of this study is to address this gap and develop a valid and reliable definitional measure for the future study of violent mass victimization events. A mixed methods approach was employed and consisted of assessing 1,118 news articles collected from 42 U.S. states for the years of 2009 through 2012. These articles were collapsed into a sample size of 550 cases for the initial measure testing phase. The articles were used to identify themes related to mass violent events and operationalized for statistical testing. Once the measure had been tested, 682 cases of mass violence were obtained from the National Incident Based Reporting System for the years of 2009 through 2012. These data were used to test the mass violent victimization measure. Bivariate, OLS, and logistic regressions were conducted in the testing of the measure. Results of the study showed the measure to be reliable and suitable for future research on incidents of mass violence.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006416, ucf:51460
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006416

Title: THE EFFECT OF TOURIST THEFT ON FUTURE TRAVEL DECISIONS.
Creator: Holcomb, Judith Lynn, Pizam, Abraham, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Past research has shown that theft is a prevalent crime against tourists. This study's purpose was to determine the effects of past incidents of personal theft on tourists' future decisions to travel by analyzing and comparing those who have experienced personal theft to those who heard of such incidents through personal accounts of friends or family. The findings, which were taken from a survey of 215 respondents, revealed that that experiencing personal theft, or knowing of someone who has,...
Show morePast research has shown that theft is a prevalent crime against tourists. This study's purpose was to determine the effects of past incidents of personal theft on tourists' future decisions to travel by analyzing and comparing those who have experienced personal theft to those who heard of such incidents through personal accounts of friends or family. The findings, which were taken from a survey of 215 respondents, revealed that that experiencing personal theft, or knowing of someone who has, is not a deterrent for visiting a destination where the theft occurred. Results also showed that one aspect of theft that was a deterrent to travel to destinations was how the authorities handled the reporting of the theft. If these findings are confirmed by other studies, then destinations that are afflicted by such thefts should not necessarily see a reduction in tourist arrivals.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000132, ucf:46202
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000132

Title: THE EFFECT OF TOURIST THEFT ON FUTURE TRAVEL DECISIONS.
Creator: Holcomb, Judith Lynn, Pizam, Abraham, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Past research has shown that theft is a prevalent crime against tourists. This study's purpose was to determine the effects of past incidents of personal theft on tourists' future decisions to travel by analyzing and comparing those who have experienced personal theft to those who heard of such incidents through personal accounts of friends or family. The findings, which were taken from a survey of 215 respondents, revealed that that experiencing personal theft, or knowing of someone who has,...
Show morePast research has shown that theft is a prevalent crime against tourists. This study's purpose was to determine the effects of past incidents of personal theft on tourists' future decisions to travel by analyzing and comparing those who have experienced personal theft to those who heard of such incidents through personal accounts of friends or family. The findings, which were taken from a survey of 215 respondents, revealed that that experiencing personal theft, or knowing of someone who has, is not a deterrent for visiting a destination where the theft occurred. Results also showed that one aspect of theft that was a deterrent to travel to destinations was how the authorities handled the reporting of the theft. If these findings are confirmed by other studies, then destinations that are afflicted by such thefts should not necessarily see a reduction in tourist arrivals.
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Date Issued: 2004
Identifier: CFE0000103, ucf:46200
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000103

Title: EXPLAINING VARIANCE IN CRIME RATES AMONG FLORIDA COUNTIES.
Creator: DiSpirito, Philip M, Jewett, Aubrey, Edwards, Barry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: What explains the variance in crime rates among Florida counties? Bivariate regression found that clearance rate had a statistically significant negative relationship with crime rate, and that the following variables had a statistically significant positive association with crime rate: law enforcement funding, population density, Hispanic population percent, the percent of males in the 18-39 range, and the percent of immigrants. It seems probable that law enforcement funding is actually...
Show moreWhat explains the variance in crime rates among Florida counties? Bivariate regression found that clearance rate had a statistically significant negative relationship with crime rate, and that the following variables had a statistically significant positive association with crime rate: law enforcement funding, population density, Hispanic population percent, the percent of males in the 18-39 range, and the percent of immigrants. It seems probable that law enforcement funding is actually dependent on crime rate rather than causing increases in crime rate: counties with higher crime rates likely spend more money on law enforcement to combat crime. To deal with significant multicollinearity, stepwise regression was used to determine which variables to include in the multivariate analysis. In this model, clearance rate had a statistically significant negative association with crime rate and the percent of males 18-39 and population density both had statistically significant positive relationships with crime rate.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000295, ucf:45753
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000295

Title: STAND YOUR GROUND LAW: HOW CAN A UCF STUDENT'S FEAR OF CRIME AFFECT THEIR OPINION OF THE LAW AND WHAT VARIABLES AFFECT THE STUDENT'S LEVEL OF FEAR OF CRIME?.
Creator: Duckworth, Kelly, Lynxwiler, John, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: A person's level of fear of crime or even their perceived fear of crime can affect how they view the Stand Your Ground Law and whether it is seen as beneficial or harmful to the general public. I begin with a discussion of the Stand Your Ground Law. Next, I report on research that examines the fear of crime and how it may shape opinions on the law as well as an individual's level of fear. My research explores the relationship of these variables using survey data. I examine the attitudes of...
Show moreA person's level of fear of crime or even their perceived fear of crime can affect how they view the Stand Your Ground Law and whether it is seen as beneficial or harmful to the general public. I begin with a discussion of the Stand Your Ground Law. Next, I report on research that examines the fear of crime and how it may shape opinions on the law as well as an individual's level of fear. My research explores the relationship of these variables using survey data. I examine the attitudes of college students regarding their fear of crime to explore variables that impact their levels of fear and their opinions regarding the Stand Your Ground Law.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004670, ucf:45321
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004670

Title: AN OVERVIEW AND EXAMINATION OF THE PREVENTION AND PUNISHMENT OF WHITE COLLAR CRIMES.
Creator: Bartels, Tyler, Guldi, Melanie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: White-collar crime is explained from an economist's perspective. Economic models typically begin by assuming individuals behave rationally. By extension, economic models of crime suggest that white-collar criminals may be acting more rationally than a casual observer may assume. This thesis will identify the benefits and drawbacks of different regulations and laws by exploring several case studies of white-collar events.
Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFH0004590, ucf:45148
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004590

Title: HOMICIDE IN THE HEADLINES: AN ANALYSIS OF THE NEWSPAPER REPORTING OF BALTIMORE HOMICIDES OF 2010.
Creator: Schildkraut, Jaclyn, Wright, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Baltimore is notorious for its recent and storied history of crime. The current study examines the treatment of homicide victims in Baltimore newspapers. In 2010, 222 homicides occurred in Baltimore, according to the city's homicide map. One hundred and sixty-five were discussed in The Baltimore Sun, the city's most-circulated paper. Based on the inclusion or exclusion of particular cases and the manner in which cases were discussed, conclusions can be drawn about the media's perception of a...
Show moreBaltimore is notorious for its recent and storied history of crime. The current study examines the treatment of homicide victims in Baltimore newspapers. In 2010, 222 homicides occurred in Baltimore, according to the city's homicide map. One hundred and sixty-five were discussed in The Baltimore Sun, the city's most-circulated paper. Based on the inclusion or exclusion of particular cases and the manner in which cases were discussed, conclusions can be drawn about the media's perception of a case's newsworthiness. Specifically, cases with particular details that varied significantly from a "normal" homicide were found to be most newsworthy, determined in part by analyzing the frequency of reporting, placement of coverage within the newspaper, and word count allocated to the discussion of crime.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003575, ucf:48901
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003575

Title: DEAD, IMPRISONED, RELAPSED: THE FATE OF HOMELESS SUBSTANCE ABUSERS TWO DECADES LATER.
Creator: Rayburn, Rachel, Wright, James, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Guided and influenced by a famous follow-up study in criminology focused on desistance from crime, this dissertation studies desistance from crime, homelessness, and substance abuse. In the early 1990s, The New Orleans Homeless Substance Abusers Project (NOHSAP) was founded as an experiment funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) to uncover optimal treatment strategies for homeless alcoholics and drug addicts. The program ran for three years (1991-1993) and in...
Show moreGuided and influenced by a famous follow-up study in criminology focused on desistance from crime, this dissertation studies desistance from crime, homelessness, and substance abuse. In the early 1990s, The New Orleans Homeless Substance Abusers Project (NOHSAP) was founded as an experiment funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) to uncover optimal treatment strategies for homeless alcoholics and drug addicts. The program ran for three years (1991-1993) and in those years, 670 homeless New Orleans men and women were admitted into treatment. Some of the original clients were followed for as long as 18 months, but none of them had been re-contacted since the mid-1990s. This dissertation involves finding these individuals and re-interviewing them, to discover what life trajectories they have taken some 17-19 years later. Guided by social bonding theory, this project shows what baseline factors and conditions explain variability in life outcomes. The methodology for this study consists of three main parts: 1) a quantitative analysis of mortality data; 2) a historical analysis of criminal histories and 3) in-depth interviews. Nested logistic regression models explained differences among those who have died (n = 91) and those still living. The same method was used to explain differences among those currently incarcerated (n = 56). Follow-up interviews were conducted with 32 individuals in a variety of settings including at their homes and in prisons. Findings from the quantitative results show that social bonding theory seems to be a weak explanation scheme among this population. Results from the qualitative data, however, are contrary and show social bonds to be crucial in the desistance process. Like Laub and Sampson's study, marriage and employment were strong predictors of desistance. Individuals interviewed tended to be sober, but disaffiliated with twelve-step meetings. Other themes from the interviews involve presentation of self, the importance of religion, and a process of aging out of crime. Policy implications from these results focus on the importance of choosing a good life partner, the reduction of alcohol and drug use among abusers, and emphasizing stable employment.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003896, ucf:48730
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003896

Title: Demanding Reduction: An Exploration of County-Level Characteristics Associated with Areas of Human Trafficking in Florida.
Creator: Diaz, Madelyn, Huff-Corzine, Lin, Corzine, Harold, Holmes, Stephen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Research on the prevalence of human trafficking (HT) is relatively scarce, even though more attention has been brought to this human rights issue in the past couple of decades. Widely known as a form of modern day slavery, trafficking of persons for sexual exploitative reasons to earn a profit for the trafficker occurs in every major city across the country, despite common misconceptions that it only thrives in foreign countries. To expand on limited existing literature on human trafficking,...
Show moreResearch on the prevalence of human trafficking (HT) is relatively scarce, even though more attention has been brought to this human rights issue in the past couple of decades. Widely known as a form of modern day slavery, trafficking of persons for sexual exploitative reasons to earn a profit for the trafficker occurs in every major city across the country, despite common misconceptions that it only thrives in foreign countries. To expand on limited existing literature on human trafficking, this research study explores possible correlations among areas of high violent crime rates, drug arrests, the presence of demand reduction strategies, sociodemographic variables, and tourism measures among the Florida counties to determine if they can act as predictive measures to locate areas where a human trafficking arrest is the most likely to occur. These relationships were investigated through the Offender Based Transaction Systems (OBTS), documented court actions filed by prosecutors between 2012-2016 of human trafficking arrests, and comparing it to violent crime rates and drug arrest rates for the Florida counties using data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in conjunction with demand reduction efforts. The results from this study did not support the hypothesis that the higher rate of violent crime and drug arrest rates would significantly increase to the presence of a human trafficking arrest. Instead, demand reduction efforts, e.g. street and web sting operations, neighborhood action, and public awareness, emerged as the only significant variable that predicted the likelihood of a human trafficking arrest occurring in a county. These findings stress the importance of reduction efforts targeting the leading consumers in this lucrative market; the demand for sex from sex buyers.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0006994, ucf:51621
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006994

Title: Traitors in American history: Lessons of the Moscow trials.
Creator: Browder, Earl
Date Issued: 1938
Identifier: 2683664, CFDT2683664, ucf:5106
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2683664

Title: How Political Violence Helps Explain Organized Crime: A Case Study of Mexico's "War on Drugs".
Creator: Fulk, Alanna, Ash, Konstantin, Wilson, Bruce, Mirilovic, Nikola, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis examines research from the disciplines of political science and criminal justice to develop a theory that explains geographic variation in violence related to organized crime. Large-scale organized crime violence exhibits characteristics of both ordinary crime violence and political violence, but these subjects are generally analyzed separately. However, as large-scale organized crime has become more prevalent and violent in recent years, most notably in Latin America, studies,...
Show moreThis thesis examines research from the disciplines of political science and criminal justice to develop a theory that explains geographic variation in violence related to organized crime. Large-scale organized crime violence exhibits characteristics of both ordinary crime violence and political violence, but these subjects are generally analyzed separately. However, as large-scale organized crime has become more prevalent and violent in recent years, most notably in Latin America, studies, including this one, have attempted to cross disciplinary boundaries in order to better explain trends in organized crime onset, termination and violence. This thesis argues that although the overall goal of organized crime groups is not to take control of a country, both organized crime groups and insurgent groups confront the state's monopoly on violence, leading to evident similarities in the way they use violence to attain their goals. They both use violence to maintain control over resources, take control from other groups and retaliate against the government. Previous literature has demonstrated that control is directly linked to geographic variation in political violence and through case studies of organized crime violence in Honduras and Brazil, as well as negative binomial regression analysis of organized crime violence in Mexico, this thesis finds that control is also directly linked to geographic variation in organized crime violence.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007457, ucf:52688
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007457

Title: Graft and gangsters.
Creator: Gannes, Harry
Date Issued: 1931
Identifier: 2100341, CFDT2100341, ucf:4909
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2100341

Title: What shall be done with the war criminals?.
Creator: American Historical Association Historical Service Board, United States Armed Forces Institute
Date Issued: 1944
Identifier: 1927438, CFDT1927438, ucf:4833
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/1927438

Title: FEAR OF CRIME AND PERCEIVED RISK OF VICTIMIZATION AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS.
Creator: Truman, Jennifer, Jasinski, Jana, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Fear of crime is argued to be a social problem that may lead to restriction of activities, increased security costs, and avoidance behaviors. Findings from research indicate that there are many demographic influences on the fear of crime. Specifically, gender has been found to be one of the most consistent predictors of crime, that is, females significantly fear crime more than males. Additionally, research suggests that a person's fear of crime or perceived risk to crime may increase...
Show moreFear of crime is argued to be a social problem that may lead to restriction of activities, increased security costs, and avoidance behaviors. Findings from research indicate that there are many demographic influences on the fear of crime. Specifically, gender has been found to be one of the most consistent predictors of crime, that is, females significantly fear crime more than males. Additionally, research suggests that a person's fear of crime or perceived risk to crime may increase their engagement in precautionary behaviors, such as carrying a weapon for protection. The current study examined these relationships using data collected from 588 students at the University of Central Florida in the fall of 2006. The results indicated that females reported significantly higher mean scores on the fear scale for all crimes except property crimes, as well as higher mean scores for most crimes on the perceived risk of victimization scale. Females also reported feeling less safe from crime in their neighborhood and at home. Furthermore, females were more likely to engage in precautionary behaviors, but less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Fear of crime was not a significant predictor of the use of precautionary behaviors. However, respondents with greater perceived risk were more likely to use a greater number of precautionary behaviors. Additionally, respondents who had a perceived lack of safety were more likely to use precautionary behaviors and engage in them more often. Risky lifestyle behaviors were not significant predictors of either fear or guardianship activities. Exposure to the media was only shown to increase fear, perceived risk, and perceived lack of safety at the bivariate level. And finally previous victimization was not a significant predictor of fear or perceived risk. Overall, the results were fairly consistent with previous literature. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001622, ucf:47185
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001622

crime (8)	+ -
Crime (7)	+ -
Organized Crime (3)	+ -
Trials (Political crimes and offenses) (3)	+ -
World War, 1939-1945 (3)	+ -

Atrocities (2)	+ -
Communism (2)	+ -
Criminals (2)	+ -
Decison (2)	+ -
Fear of Crime (2)	+ -
Florida (2)	+ -
Hate Crimes (2)	+ -
Political crimes and offenses (2)	+ -
Theft (2)	+ -
Tourism (2)	+ -
Tourist (2)	+ -
Travel (2)	+ -
UCF (2)	+ -
Violent Crime (2)	+ -
campus (2)	+ -
homicide (2)	+ -
media (2)	+ -
organized crime (2)	+ -
perception (2)	+ -
America (1)	+ -
Authority (1)	+ -
Baltimore (1)	+ -
Britain (1)	+ -
British (1)	+ -
CSI Effect (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (28)	+ -
PRISM: Political & Rights Issues & Social Movements (10)	+ -
Honors Collection (6)	+ -

United States (3)	+ -
France (1)	+ -
Germany (1)	+ -
Hungary (1)	+ -
Moscow (1)	+ -

Nuremberg (1)	+ -
Russia (Federation) (1)	+ -
Soviet Union (1)	+ -

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