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• Alcohol use problem is a risk factor for re-offense of DUI. • Alcohol treatment reduces risk of DUI recidivism during intervention. • We examined the lasting effect of alcohol treatment on DUI recidivism. • Two-year recidivism rate remained lower after 12-month treatment. Alcohol use problems are prevalent among recidivists of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). This 2-year postintervention follow-up study explored the preventive effects of 12- or 6-month alcohol treatment in relation to reoffense among repeat DUI offenders who participated in a community-based joint legal–medical intervention program. A total of 259 repeat DUI offenders with alcohol use problems were referred from a Prosecutors' Office to a psychiatric hospital to receive alcohol treatment. We divided these participants into two groups on the basis of treatment duration (6- and 12-month groups) and collected their official DUI offense records for 2 years after the intervention. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the hazard ratio of each treatment duration in relation to reoffense. The reoffense rates were compared with a group of DUI offenders (n = 4097) who did not participate in the intervention program (i.e., a nonintervention group). The baseline characteristics were similar between the two treatment groups. The 2-year reoffense rates for the 12-month treatment, 6-month treatment, and nonintervention groups were 12%, 19%, and 21%, respectively. The hazard ratio for reoffense was lower for the 12-month group than for the 6-month group (hazard ratio: 0.45; 95% confidence interval: 0.21–0.96). Survival analysis revealed that compared with the non-intervention group, reoffense was significantly reduced in the 12-month group but not in the 6-month group. The 12-month joint legal–medical intervention program for alcohol treatment yielded superior outcomes to the corresponding 6-month program in terms of preventing DUI reoffense for 2 years postintervention. This research is, however, subject to the limitation that we lacked the information of factors that might affect the reoffense risk, such as motivation level, readiness to change, personality traits, and familial support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequent utilizers of the criminal justice system heavily strain local resources due to their ongoing interactions with criminal justice agencies and their disproportionate need for social and behavioral health services. We first identify and compare frequent utilizers 'demographic and legal characteristics to first-time and repeat offenders by analyzing two years of prosecution data from three counties in a large Florida jurisdiction. Ordinal regression is then employed to evaluate the impact of first-time offenders, repeat offenders, and frequent utilizers on filed charge severity and the harshness of punitive sanction. Results reveal that frequent utilizers are more likely to be involved in property and drug offenses than personal offenses. They also have an enhanced proclivity to be represented by public defenders or assigned counsel, be held pretrial, and receive custodial sentences. However, contrary to previous research, our findings show that frequent utilizers exhibit a more serious pattern of offending than first-time or repeat offenders. These findings suggest the need for rigorous state monitoring of frequent utilizers in the community while still underscoring the importance and effectiveness of various rehabilitative and prevention strategies beyond the criminal justice system's purview to address the complexities of frequent utilizers' needs. • Frequent utilizers are in the top 95th percentile in arrest frequency within age cohorts. • They face more severe charges than first-time and repeat offenders. • Frequent utilizers are often involved in property and drug offenses. • They have higher rates of pretrial detention and less legal representation. • Frequent utilizers receive harsher sanctions, including custodial sentences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The first investigation into drug driving recidivism in Australia. • Of those detected between Dec 2007 and Jun 2020, 25% were recidivists. • Of recidivists, 30% offended 3 times or more. • Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol was most commonly found among one-time offenders. • Methamphetamine was most common among recidivists. Introduction : While research has reported on overall prevalence rates of drug driving, the extent of recidivist offending has yet to be explored. The objective of this research was to examine recidivistic behaviors detected through Roadside Drug Testing (RDT) in Queensland (between December 2007 and June 2020), with a focus on: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 3,4-Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA), and methamphetamine (MA). Method : Data were provided by the Queensland Police Service, and contained information on positive drug detections that were confirmed via laboratory analysis. Results : The analyses revealed 50,442 unique offenders with a total of 67,727 offenses, as 25% (N = 12,490) of all offenders had been apprehended more than once (ranging from 2 to 11 offences). MA use was more common among recidivist offenders, whereas THC was more common for those with one offense. On average, the days between offenses decreased with increases in offense number. Conclusions : The findings provide evidence for the extent of drug driving recidivism on Queensland roads. To deter recidivists and the greater motorist population from drug driving, there is need for greater resources dedicated to RDT to increase both the perceived and real likelihood of detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is empirical evidence that sexual recidivism rates have been dropping for several decades, but it remains unclear whether this drop is an artifact of changing research methodologies over the years. The current study, therefore, examines whether the sexual recidivism drop is robust while accounting for various methodological factors. The study is based on a systematic review and a quantitative meta-analysis of 468 empirical studies published between 1940 and 2019 that reported sexual recidivism rates. A total of 626 estimations (n = 388,994) of sexual recidivism were retrieved for the study period and of those, 238 were independent observations (n = 196,651). A series of sensitivity analyses were conducted using a meta-regression approach. A series of meta-regression analyses show that, even after accounting for various methodological factors (e.g., study settings, follow-up length, recidivism criteria), there has been a sexual recidivism rate drop of about 45–60% since the 1970s. The study findings confirm the presence of a sexual recidivism drop while recognizing that sexual recidivism rates are sensitive to methodological details. • Sexual recidivism rates reported between 1940 and 2019 were analyzed. • When these rates are pooled and weighted, between 9 and 14% of perpetrators are sexual recidivists. • More recent estimates suggest that about 6% of perpetrators are sexual recidivists. • Sexual recidivism rates have dropped between 45 and 60% since the 1970s. • The sexual recidivism drop does not appear to be the result of changing methodologies over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The opaque nature of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing means that the data on catches are scarce or unreliable, making it difficult to estimate the volume of illegal fishing and the number of individuals who practice it. In this work, we develop the use of quantification methods for IUU fishing in data-poor fisheries and provide estimates for the main shellfish species exploited in S-fisheries in Galicia (NW Spain). To make the estimates, we use a model whose primary input is the Confiscations per unit of policing effort (CPUPE) index, which relates the sanctions imposed for poaching, estimated poaching, and confiscations carried out by the Enforcement Forces. The estimates for the period 2012–2020 are 660.2 t of illegal catches of different species and an average number of 1,766.2 poachers/year. These estimates provide evidence that makes it possible to analyse tendencies in illegal fishing, to establish assessment baselines and to highlight potential improvements in the fight against IUU fishing in small-scale fisheries. • We have estimated 660.2 t of illegal shellfish catches in Galician small scale fisheries (SSF) and an average number of 1,766.2 poachers/year in the period 2012–2020. • Clams, and spider crabs are the most poached species, while clams and goose barnacles accumulate the highest number of poachers and repeat poachers. • The number of poachers drops as of 2014, but not the number of repeat offenders. They are fewer, but more professionalised. • Institutional improvements in regulation and control can create a framework of development and protection for shellfishing that can favour lower poaching ratios. • Strategies tailored to the contextual reality of S-fisheries can enhance enforcement and compliance, surpassing limits posed by the binary approach put forward by IUU fishing framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental victimology theory suggests that developmental features of risk and impact stemming from various types of victimization depend on the age of the child or adolescent. A next step is studying the developmental victimization trajectories of individuals involved in sexual crimes by focusing on traumatic events occurring during childhood and adolescence respectively. Building on the developmental victimology perspective, the study's specific aims encompass two key objectives: 1) exploring the diverse trajectories of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) within a sample of individuals involved in sexual crimes, and 2) assessing whether these ACEs trajectories influence the emergence of distinct high-risk behaviors. 252 individuals convicted of sexual crimes were selected from a federal penitentiary in Quebec, Canada. Semi-structured interviews with a computerized questionnaire produced data on numerous aspects of the participant's life history, criminal career, and victimization experiences that were analyzed via latent class modeling. Four classes (no ACEs trajectory, poly exposure and victimization trajectory, childhood exposure trajectory, and poly victimization trajectory) were identified. Consistent with hypotheses, developmental ACEs trajectories are heterogeneous and associated with the criminal careers, adolescent problematic behaviors, substance use disorders, and violence history among individuals involved in sexual offending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dynamics of mild and serious offenders and potential criminals. • Analysed using techniques from mathematical epidemiology. • Both forward and backward bifurcation can occur. • Interesting and unusual stability patterns and stability threshold values. We set up and analyse a mathematical model, the Serious Crime Model, which describes the interaction of mild and serious offenders and potential criminals. However we get more complete results for a simpler version of this model, the Mild Crime Model, with no serious offenders. For the full Serious Crime Model there are two key parameters R 0 1 and R 0 2 corresponding to the basic reproduction number in the mathematics of infectious diseases, which determine the behaviour of the system. For the Simpler Mild Crime Model there is just one such parameter R 0 1. Both forward and backward bifurcation can occur for this second model with two subcritical non-trivial equilibria possible for R 0 1 < 1 in the backwards case. For backwards bifurcation there is another threshold value R 0 * such that the upper non-trivial equilibrium is unstable for R 0 1 < R 0 * and stable for R 0 1 > R 0 *. For forwards bifurcation there is a second additional threshold value R 0 * * such that the stability of the unique non-trivial equilibrium switches from unstable to stable as R 0 1 passes through R 0 * *. At the end we return to the full Serious Crime Model and discuss the behaviour of this model. The results are meaningful and interesting because in all of the other epidemiological and sociological models of which we are aware, analogous thresholds to R 0 * and R 0 * * do not exist. For forwards bifurcation the unique non-trivial equilibrium, and for backwards bifurcation with two subcritical endemic equilibria the higher non-trivial equilibrium, are also usually always locally asymptotically stable. So our models exhibit unusual and interesting behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to explore the factors associated with a lethal outcome in cases of intimate partner violence. We used four hypotheses – offender characteristics, victim vulnerabilities, environmental context, and crime escalation – to theoretically frame this study. The sample used in this study consists of 1485 cases of attempted or completed intimate partner homicide that occurred in the province of Quebec, Canada. Bivariate analysis as well as sequential binary regressions and conjunctive analysis of case configurations were computed. Findings showed that all four of these hypotheses were valid in explaining the lethal outcome of IPV, and they interacted with each other in complex ways. Results also revealed that the overall theoretical pattern held true, but there were some specific differences. From a theoretical standpoint, this study offers an initial empirical examination of the role and interplay of different theoretical approaches in explaining cases of completed intimate partner homicide. • offender characteristics, victim vulnerabilities, environmental context, and crime escalation hypotheses are valid for IPH • Men were significantly more likely to use a firearm. • women were more likely to use physical violence to assault a same-sex or vulnerable partner. • Individuals who are less likely to have a criminal career exhibit a lower propensity to use physical violence during IPH. • Same-sex couples or ex-couples were more likely to be involved in IPH regardless of the offender's sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual abuse of children remains a widespread problem with well-documented, adverse consequences. Often, abuse ending is contingent on a disclosure made by the victim, but victims delay disclosure if they tell someone at all. The factors associated with (non)disclosure are complex and interrelated. In this paper, we propose a new theoretical framework (Mimicry Deception Theory; MDT) to explore various aspects of the grooming process, using a qualitative content analysis of US court appeal cases (N = 25). Specifically, we focus on how MDT components contribute to the likelihood of a CSA disclosure. MDT is made up of five components: Victim Selection, Community Integration, Complexity of Deception, Resource Extraction, and Detectability. These five components allow us to look at several characteristics of abuse in tandem and examine how they interact to impact various outcomes, such as (non)disclosure. We provide a detailed codebook for this framework, that can be used to systematically extract relevant information from large amounts of data. Through the application of this framework, we were able to identify several factors that may play a role in delayed or non-disclosure. Further, we found repeat offenders were likely to use the exact same methods of access, grooming, and remaining undetected across victims. Implications for prevention, as well as clinical interventions with perpetrators as well as victims are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous crucial factors and parameters influence the dynamic process of the spread of crime. Various integer-order differential models have been proposed to capture crime spread. Most of these introduced dynamic systems have not considered the history of the criminal and the impact of crime on society. To address these shortcomings, a fractional-order crime transmission model is proposed in this manuscript considering five different classes v i z law-abiding citizens, non-incarcerated criminals, incarcerated criminals, prison-released and recidivists. The primary focus of the proposed model is to study the effect of recidivism in society and decide the adequate imprisonment for repeat offenders. The existence, uniqueness, non-negativity and boundedness of the solution of the proposed model are examined. The local stability of the equilibrium points is also analysed using Routh–Hurwitz Criteria with Matignon conditions. Further, the threshold condition for the uniform asymptotic stability of the system is evaluated by the Lyapunov stability method. Moreover, the long-term impact of the imprisonment of criminals on society is also examined in the current study. The numerical simulations of the model for a range of fractional orders are obtained using power series expansion method to strengthen the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Empirical analysis of practitioner perspectives in Japan using Q method. • Identification of 3 groups: recovery supporters, moral guardians, crime bureaucrats. • Commonalities around the theme of 'autonomous drug-free lives'. • Competing interpretations about why this matters and the journey to this. • Conflicts may result in erosion of cooperation and differences in implementation. In Japan, responses to people with drug dependency problems and who frequently re-enter the criminal justice system have undergone significant change in recent years, resulting in a heavier emphasis placed on non-criminal justice interventions and greater diversification of practitioners. To better understand how different practitioners are negotiating and adapting to their changing environments, this paper examines the goals of practitioners who work with individuals who are on probation, parole or have received a suspended sentence for an illegal drug offence. Q methodology was utilised, with participation of 89 practitioners from across the fields of criminal justice, health, social welfare, and local government. Participants ranked 64 goals in drug policy according to their perceived importance in a Q-sort activity, before reflecting on their decision-making during a post-sort questionnaire. Principal components analysis was conducted, along with an iterative and holistic approach that considered the Q-sort and questionnaire data as a whole, to extract and interpret groups of practitioners that shared similar perspectives. Three groups of practitioner perspectives were identified, termed as recovery supporters, moral guardians , and crime bureaucrats. Overall, there are a number of commonalities which revolve around facilitating 'autonomous drug-free lives', but groups are distinguished in important ways, not least in terms of goals relating to the nature and role of criminal justice and treatment services. Although the notion of 'autonomous drug-free lives' binds together different perspectives, there are competing interpretations about why this matters and the preferred 'journey' to this social state. These findings show that the embracing of more welfare and health-based approaches in drug policy in Japan is also being largely reflected in practitioner perspectives, but the conflicts that exist have the potential to erode multi-agency co-operation and lead to variation in policy implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates criminal nomadism—an individual's propensity to engage in continuous or intermittent interurban travel as a way to cope with the consequences of their criminal lifestyle and/or as a strategy to adapt to the reality of being a "career criminal." The criminal-career itinerary across Canada of 448 men convicted of sex offenses was reconstructed through individual interviews and analysis of detailed criminal records. Five distinct components of criminal nomadism (i.e., trips, nodes, paths, range, and mesolevel activity space), inspired by crime pattern theory, are suggested and analyzed. Results show that criminal nomadism is the reality of young and educated Whites who have a prolific criminal career interspersed with long incarceration sentences. Nomadic offenders did not wander freely and randomly, but rather seemed to be looking for opportunities and privacy. Sex-offending variables did not make a significant contribution to predictions, suggesting that criminal nomadism is more a general offending phenomenon than something specific to sex offending. This study provides supporting evidence that an extensive criminal career is generally associated with a geographically scattered and nomadic lifestyle. Implications for public policies and future studies are discussed. • This study explores criminal nomadism in a sample of 448 men convicted of sex crimes. • Criminal nomadism is defined as an offender's propensity to engage in interurban travel. • For each participant, the criminal-career itinerary across Canada was reconstructed. • Results suggest a link between an extensive criminal career and a nomadic lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taiwan has deemed driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) to be criminal, and offenders are subjected to fines and jail penalties without being offered alcohol-related treatment, although alcohol use problems are prevalent in this population. We followed the recidivism records of DUI repeat offenders for one year after they had received a newly established legal-medical joint intervention program for alcohol treatment and examined factors related to postintervention recidivism. In this study, 231 DUI repeat offenders with alcohol use problems screened out by the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test were referred from the prosecutors' office to one psychiatric hospital for SBIRT-based alcohol treatment. We divided the participants into two groups based on the official recidivism records within the year following the end of treatment. The study used a Cox proportional hazards model to examine the hazard ratio of the baseline clinical characteristics and intervention duration for post-treatment recidivism. The study used generalized estimation equation models to examine changes in psychological symptoms and drinking behaviors over time. We found that participants who recidivated in the next year after intervention did not differ from those without recidivism records in all measurements except for the length of duration they stayed in treatment. Survival analysis determined that participants who had received the intervention for >4 months showed significantly lower rates of one-year postintervention recidivism rates The study participants showed improved psychological symptoms and drinking behaviors during the follow-up period. In conclusion, adequate duration of alcohol treatment is a significant factor associated with a lower risk of postintervention recidivism. The results provide some insight into the design of a collaborative program between legal and medical systems to reduce DUI recidivism and improve mental health of DUI repeat offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]