Empowering the Frontline Police Officers to Cope with Police Social Service Role Strain in China
Pages 20-45
Xiaohai Wang

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.03

Published: 10 January 2014

Abstract: Provision of social service is one of the most significant roles of the police. A review of the related literature in policing seems to reveal that empowerment holds significance for frontline officers who are largely responsible for social service delivery. This study examines the possible relationships between police social service structural empowerment (PSSSE), police social service psychological empowerment (PSSPE) and police social service role strain (PSSRS) among frontline police officers in China. This study adopts a two-phase (quantitative and qualitative approaches) sequential explanatory design. In the first phase, a questionnaire is used to collect data from a sample of two hundred frontline community patrol officers in Shenzhen Public Security Bureau, China. After conducting the quantitative analysis, the author uses in-depth interviews to explore the nature of PSSRS, PSSSE, PSSPE from twelve selected interviewees’ insights. According to the results of the survey and in-depth interviews, the participants report a comparatively high level of PSSRS and low levels of PSSSE and PSSPE. It has been found that there are significantly negative correlations between PSSSE, PSSPE and PSSRS in the Chinese police organization. The Chinese police force is suggested to provide effective interventions for individual experience of psychological empowerment and reorganize the current paramilitary-bureaucratic model by changing the management practices for structural empowerment in response to the PSSRS among frontline police officers.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Offending Behaviour- Case Report
Pages 1-4
Jibowu Olubokun

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.01

Published: 03 January  2014

Abstract: The association between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Offending behaviour is well documented in Literature. The DSM IV and the NICE Clinical guidelines state that Hyperactivity, Impulsiveness and poor concentration are the core features of this condition. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be seen as a Neurodevelopmental disorder and a spectrum disorder.

In this case report the discontinuation of pharmacological treatment with Modified release preparation of Methyl phenidate Hydrochloride led to an escalation of offending behaviour within a few weeks which resulted in an admission into a Secure Children’s facility in Leeds West Yorkshire and Subsequent ‘Electronic tagging’ in a 15 year old.

Some young persons with ADHD can present with ‘complex needs’ and Health care professionals, Drug workers and other staff as well as Forensic Physicians working within the Custodial and Forensic settings would need to be sensitive and responsive to their needs in order to ensure the continuity of treatment for as long as is practicable and achievable even whilst in custody.

The importance of multidisciplinary and multiagency working with a ‘joined up’ approach so as to maximise out come is highlighted.

Using Open-Source Data to Study Bias Homicide Against Homeless Persons
Pages 538-549
Jeffrey A. Gruenewald

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2013.02.48

Published: 24 December 2013

Abstract: Despite their high-profile nature, there has been a lack of scholarly research on bias-motivated homicide in the United States. One explanation for this dearth of prior research is the lack of official data available on this type of crime. In response, the current study proposes an alternative method for studying one form of bias crime, homicides targeting homeless persons, using open-source data (e.g., court documents, news media reports, advocacy group chronologies, etc.). To demonstrate their utility, open-source data are employed to empirically examine anti-homeless homicide incident, suspect, and victim characteristics. Findings reveal that anti-homeless homicide tends to be committed in public parks with blunt objects by groups of young males against older, solitary male victims. Implications for policy are briefly discussed.

‘Notes on a Scandal’: Why do Females Engage in Abuse of Trust Behaviours?
Pages 525-537
Andrea J. Darling and Georgios A. Antonopoulos

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2013.02.47

Published: 18 December 2013

Abstract: Although an evident reality in organisations where females work with young people, there has been no specific research to date exploring why females in positions of trust engage in sexually abusive relationships with adolescents. This study investigated the subject through a qualitative analysis of ten case studies from England drawn from the employment and safeguarding environment, comparing findings with existing studies into female sexual offenders in general, research into male ‘professional perpetrators’ and Gannon et al.’s (2008) Descriptive Model of Female Sexual Offending. The research highlighted a number of key similarities and differences between those who abuse in positions of trust and those female sexual offenders who abuse children in wider contexts. With respect to etiological factors the similarities included unstable lifestyle, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, cognitive distortions and emotional self-management problems. Motivations for this sample appeared to be primarily driven by intimacy needs. Differences were identified relating to lower levels of substance abuse, a higher age range and socio-economic status, less prevalence of severe social skills deficits and chaotic and abusive backgrounds in this subject group. All of the women in the study followed an Implicit Disorganised pathway of abuse and maternal approach to the abusive behaviour.

A Legal Inquiry into the Proliferation and Control of Small Arms in Nigeria
Pages 77-92
Pontian Okoli

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2014.03.06

Published: 10 March 2014

Abstract: The continual state of insecurity in Nigeria for several decades can be traced to a number of factors, including ethnic militias and religious fundamentalism. This article examines the extent to which such retrogressive phenomena are caused or fuelled by the proliferation of small arms in Nigeria. It examines the legal regime on small arms, non-legal but relevant societal issues and police powers as they concern the control of small arms proliferation in Nigeria. It argues that the extant legal regime is not robust enough to support any sustainable progress in this area. Also, it concludes that apart from a critical police overhaul and necessary municipal legislative action as influenced by international legal developments, practical policies and economic empowerment must be in place with a view to attaining sustainable development in the area of small arms control.