Captured by true crime: Why women are drawn to tales of rape, murder, and serial killers

From Social Psychological and Personality Science

Men are more likely to commit crimes and are responsible for 90% of all murders so why are women more drawn to true crime books than men? Researchers reveal that women fear becoming the victim of a crime more so than men and are often compelled to this literature with the aim of being alert to warning signs and learning strategies to prevent or survive a real life crime.  This sex difference in fear is interesting because actually men are more likely than women to be the victim. The article considers some of the reasons for this heightened fear among women and recognises that the pursuit for survival tips from these books can in itself contribute to greater fear of such crime.

Protecting the human rights of vulnerable women: A spotlight on deaths of women in prison

From Probation Journal

This comment piece calls for a change in government criminal justice and social policy following the national and international attention to the issues arising from the deaths of women in prison. Currently many mentally ill and vulnerable women are imprisoned in institutions ill-equipped and ill-resourced to deal with their complex needs. The state is failing in its duty of care.

Soldiers as police officers/police officers as soldiers: role evolution and revolution in the United States

From Armed Forces & Society

Are soldiers and Police Offices becoming one and the same? As policing in the US has taken on some military characteristics and many military operations have taken on more policing characteristics there is a perception of role convergence. This article examines the shift of roles, the similarities they share as protective services and the political and legal implications of the changes. It concludes however that despite surface links, the two professions are significantly different.

The economic cost of harboring terrorism

From Journal of Conflict Resolution

This article is the first to uncover systematic evidence of the economic cost of harboring terrorism. While trying to inflict real economic costs (in addition to psychological, sociological, and political damage) on targeted societies, terror organizations also cause significant economic harm to the population that they claim to represent. The findings raise the question of whether or not the economic cost is an effective counterterrorism policy. The financial repercussions may induce the civilian population to stop or weaken support for terror organizations.

The influence of ‘‘No Child Left Behind’’ legislation on drug prevention in U.S. schools

From Evaluation Review

Is the US government winning the war on drugs and violence in schools? This study examines prevention practices aimed to reduce youth violence and drug use through its Safe and Drug-Free Schools (SDFS) program.  Findings suggest policies have not been implemented fully and widely often due to conflict of priorities, for example schools not supporting the Federal priority of student drug testing or due to distribution and management of funding.

Sustainable legacies for the 2012 Olympic Games

From Perspectives in Public Health

The 2012 UK Olympics are coming and with them the potential to offer the nation far more than encouragement to partake in sports activities and to get fitter. They could assist with government cross-cutting agendas such as tackling crime, antisocial behaviour, developing healthy and active communities, improving educational attainment, and combating barriers to participation. This article considers the promising sustainable sporting, social, cultural and economic legacies the games could deliver.