Criminal Justice & Political Science

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Research from the Department of Criminal Justice & Political Science. The department website may be found at https://www.ndsu.edu/cjps/

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Assessment and Policy Recommendations for Domestic Illegal Firearms Trafficking
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Heley, Frank Anton
This report examined the nature of domestic illegal firearms trafficking, including key features and predictors of firearms trafficking, and rationalizes the defining of domestic illegal firearms trafficking into three levels that are indicative of the seriousness and features inherent to the particular level of trafficking. This report also examined the scope of the trafficking situations at their respective levels, the means already being utilized to address firearms trafficking problems, and their effectiveness. Finally, this report recognizes that the differing levels of trafficking may require varied and differing efforts be used in combating firearms trafficking and policy recommendations involving both legislative and enforcement efforts are detailed at the respective levels of trafficking.
A Big Deal: Examining Routine Activities Variables Related to Sexual Victimization on the College Campus
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Wood, McKenzie Ann
The sexual assault and sexual coercion of women on college campuses is a pervasive and ongoing problem. It is estimated that over 15% of women attending college experience some type of sexual assault or coercion each year (Fisher, Cullen, & Turner, 2000). While sexual victimization ranging from mild, verbal, sexual coercion, to rape has been studied, more recently a newer form of sexual victimization has been researched: Stalking. The current study uses results from 873 surveys at a Midwestern university to examine the prevalence of sexual victimization and stalking on a college campus. Cohen and Felson’s (1979) routine activities theory is used to explain why sexual victimization and stalking are common on university campuses, and what variables might contribute to their occurrence.
Blessings and Curses: The Impact of the North Dakota Oil Boom on Offender Reentry and Reintegration into the Community
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Buchholz, Maria Mae
Education, employment, housing, and substance abuse pose significant problems to the successful reentry of individuals released from prison. The current research project utilized a natural experiment, an oil boom in a Midwestern state, to examine changes in offender reentry and recidivism outcomes overtime. The first part of the study compared a sample of offenders released from prison prior to the oil boom to a sample of offenders released from prison during the highest peak of the oil boom. Comparisons were made on variables known in the literature to be predictive of recidivism during the reentry process; these include risk, education, employment, housing, substance abuse, and treatment. Recidivism was measured as a new conviction, technical violation, and re-incarceration. The follow-up period for both samples was two years. The second part of the study incorporated the perspectives of probation and parole officers. All officers in the Midwestern state were surveyed on their perception of offender reentry and how it may have changed as a result of oil boom influences. Officer attitudes, philosophies, and supervision strategies were analyzed in relation to their perceptions on offender reentry and the oil boom.
Can Detention Reduce Recidivism of Youth? An Outcome Evaluation of a Juvenile Detention Center
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Simanovic, Tia
This study is an outcome evaluation of a secure unit of one juvenile detention center in the Midwest. The primary purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between a secure detention placement and recidivism on a sample of Midwest juvenile offenders. Besides the examination of recidivism of the total sample, this study examined differences between two subsamples of the institutionalized juveniles, those in a treatment program and those in detention only. The importance of demographics, prior admissions, length of stay, frequency of institutional misconduct, and exposure to treatment was examined. Results suggest a significant negative relationship between the age at admission and recidivism, and a positive one between prior admissions and recidivism. Length of stay, institutional misconduct, and treatment did not reach significance. This study did not find support for the effectiveness of juvenile detention in recidivism reduction. Implications of findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Characteristics of Child Pornographers Under Federal Supervision in the State of North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2020) Doerr, Mandy Lee
Currently, it is estimated that there are over 45 million child pornographic images and videos on the internet. The purpose of the current study is to record the characteristics of those convicted of accessing, distributing, and/or producing child pornography in the State of North Dakota. To examine this phenomenon, the District of North Dakota Federal Probation and Pretrial Supervision Service records have been disseminated. Overall, the results indicate that child pornographers in North Dakota mirror those around the globe. In addition, the sample of child pornographers was compared to other sexual offenders and general offenders through bivariate analyses. There were statistically significant differences found between both groups.
Chasing the Dragon: The Social Construction of the U.S. Opioid Epidemic
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Vondal, Jennafer
Utilizing a social construction perspective, this study uses a mixed method approach to examine the opioid epidemic. The study begins by identifying the numerous claims-making groups along with conducting a content analysis of the rhetoric and symbols used to legitimize the claims about the opioid epidemic. The data for the content analysis was obtained through a search of the websites, newsrooms, and pressrooms of claims-making groups. Additionally, the study examines and assesses the volume of money that is generated and allocated towards opioid research and prevention in an effort to determine who has more power to influence the policy initiatives. Findings show that the frequency of rhetoric and the number of claims-making groups releasing information about the opioid epidemic increased from 2010-2016. Most of the rhetoric consists of groups proposing resolution strategies and formulating new policies. Only a few claims-makers are making financial contributions towards opioid prevention initiatives and in most cases, it is a very small amount of money.
Citizens’ Perception of Police Services in an Oil Boomtown
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Huynh, Carol
Past research indicates that various factors influence citizens’ perception of police services, including citizen characteristics, prior criminal victimization, personal safety, and fear of crime. However, less is known about the influence that these variables have on citizens’ perceptions in a community experiencing rapid population growth as a result of increased energy production. Thus, the focus of the current research was to examine how such variables impact citizens’ perception of crime control by police officers in a town experiencing rapid changes. This study also examined the role of residential longevity by testing for perceptual differences among long-time and boom residents. Finally, this research considers the influence of neighborhood social cohesion/trust on citizens’ perception of police services. Data for this study was gathered from surveys completed by a random sample of residents living in Williston, North Dakota during the fall of 2015 (N=301). Overall, results suggest a number of factors related to citizens’ characteristics, prior criminal victimization, and personal safety impact residents’ perception of police services. Second, long-time residents were more likely than boom residents to agree that the police were doing a good job delivering services to their community. Lastly, neighborhood trust (but not neighborhood reliability) influenced residents’ perception of police services. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Correctional Case Planning: An Examination Into the Impacts of Case Plans on Offender Recidivism
(North Dakota State University, 2021) Borseth, Jenna Lynn
Case planning has become common practice within many correctional intervention programs. While the practice of case planning is not a new idea, it remains a largely neglected field within the study of offender rehabilitation. The current study seeks to expand this literature by investigating the effects of four case plan components: compliance, specificity (consisting of positively stated, measurable, and singular objectives), breadth, and expiration. To do so, the study examines 859 correctional case plans of offenders receiving treatment at a Halfway House facility. The results indicate that case plan compliance, breadth, and expiration are not significantly associated with offender recidivism. Additionally, only one of the specificity domains, positively stated, is significant. The positive relationship indicates that more positively stated objectives are associated with higher recidivism when other case plan specificity variables are controlled for. While the results fail to support the initial hypotheses, supplemental analyses demonstrate the importance of continued research on impacts of case plans. As a result, this paper should not be used as a justification to dismiss case planning but rather as a call for more research. The discussion section provides a continued narrative on how future research can expand on what is currently understood about the impacts of case planning on offender recidivism outcomes.
Do Victim Impact Panels Reduce DUI Recidivism?
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Joyce, Sarah Leigh
This study looks at Victim Impact Panels as an effective program for reducing recidivism of convicted drunk drivers. Researchers collected data on a group of DUI offenders who were sentenced to attend a Victim Impact Panel (VIP) after being convicted of a DUI (410 cases) and a group of DUI offenders who were sentenced by a judge who did not order them to attend a VIP (373 cases). Using logistic regression, researchers found those offenders who were sentenced to attend a Victim Impact Panel were significantly less [likely] to reoffend, both in terms of subsequent DUI convictions, and criminal offenses in general. In addition, this study showed Victim Impact Panels proved to be beneficial to those offenders who have had previous DUI convictions, and have attended a Victim Impact Panel in the past. The resulting policy and program implications are discussed.
Effectiveness of Restorative Justice Programs in the Prevention of Juvenile Crime
(North Dakota State University, 2014) Buchholz, Maria Mae
This study examined how restorative justice programs impact the probability of recidivism among juvenile offenders. It compared juveniles who completed restorative justice programs versus juveniles who were released with warning from the courts. Both groups were compared to determine if restorative justice juveniles outcomes differed based on recidivism. Logistic regression showed that restorative justice programs had statistically significant increased odds of recidivating when compared to juveniles released with a warning. However, when the groups of restorative justice were disaggregated, only the adjudicated juveniles were statistically significant. Survival time analysis showed that restorative justice juveniles have longer survival times of recidivism when compared to juveniles released with a warning. Suggestions for further research and analysis are discussed with respect to the current results.
The Effects of the DUI 24/7 Program in Cass County, North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Berge, Christine Marie
This study presents the results of an evaluation of the 24/7 Sobriety Program in Cass County, North Dakota, looking specifically at participants’ likelihood of receiving a conviction of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) both during and after exiting the program. Data was collected of participants who have been enrolled in the program from the start of the program in 2010 through 2018 and matched to public criminal records searches of each participant. Several analyses were run to determine whether substance choice (alcohol vs. drugs), gender (male vs. female), and duration in program influence a participant’s likelihood to recidivate. Findings for each measure are presented including potential changes that could be made, as well as, limitations of the study.
Formal and Informal Labeling Effects on Later Self-Reported Non-Violent and Violent Delinquency
(North Dakota State University, 2011) Mitchell, Meghan Marie
This research examines the impact of formal and informal labeling on self-reported violent and non-violent delinquency. This longitudinal research design utilizes cohort 15 from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN) at two different points in time. This research not only evaluates the effect of formal labeling (arrest) but also determines the effect of informal labeling (warning and releasing) by police officers. Specifically, the hypotheses assess if labeling affects minority youth differently than white youth. Using nested ordinary least square re and logistic regression models, the results indicate that labeling only operates in simple models containing few variables. The apparent effects of labeling on non-violent delinquency are accounted for in the complete model by previous delinquent behavior, living in a two-parented home, and having a parent with a criminal record. Moreover, the apparent effects of labeling are diminished in the complete model predicting violent delinquency once controlling for the effects of race (Black), gender (male), lower income level, and having a parent with a criminal record.
Homelessness and Police Contact
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Noe, Allison
Research regarding the homeless and their interactions with law enforcement is sparse. The current study examines the perceptions homeless men and women have of police officers in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Data for this study was collected via fifty-one semi-structured interviews with guests at three homeless shelters in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Roughly half of those interviewed have a positive opinion of police officers. The results demonstrate that the perceptions of police officers held by those interviewed is based largely on the amount of respect that they receive. If individuals feel they are respected by police officers, their perception is generally more positive. The results also show several of problems expressed by respondents in regards to how they view the homeless are treated by police. A number of policy implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Is Justice Delayed Justice Denied? : Examining the Timeliness of Completing Police Misconduct Investigations
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Mrozla, Thomas John
This study aims to examine how patrol officer and complaint characteristics influence the timeliness of completing police misconduct investigations. Further, it analyzes how the timeliness of the investigation influences the disposition and discipline of complaint investigations while controlling for relevant police officer and complaint characteristics. Data were collected from a Midwestern municipal police agency for all complaints filed against patrol officers from 2006-2015. The analyses in this study demonstrate that the nature of the complaint and number of police officers present influences the length of the investigation. This study also finds that police officer and complaint characteristics are relevant predictors of the disposition and discipline outcomes of complaint investigations. Policy implications are discussed.
Juvenile Perceptions of the Police and Police Services
(North Dakota State University, 2011) Sanden, Michael Brian
This study examined the impact of four categories of variables (demographics, neighborhood context variables, contact with the police, and vicarious influence variables) on juvenile perceptions of the police and police services. Data analyzed in this study were collected as part of a larger research evaluation that examined the impact of law enforcement efforts in relation to violent crime. Students from one middle school were surveyed. Statistical analysis consisted of a series of One-Way ANOVA tests and several ordinary least squares regression (OLS) models. The study found significant results for both dependent variables within all four categories of independent variables. Policy implications and suggestions for further research are discussed.
No Time for Stolen Yard Gnomes: Changing Styles of Policing during an Oil Boom
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Dahle, Thorvald
Western North Dakota law enforcement agencies have experienced dramatic changes in the policing landscape as a result of an oil boom. These agencies were forced to deal with a rapidly growing population that brought different cultural expectations and a substantial rise in crime. Using Klinger’s (1997) framework of formal and informal policing behaviors, the current study explores how policing styles have changed in these agencies. Researchers interviewed 101 officers from eight agencies to determine how the oil boom impacted the way they conduct their work, interact with citizens, and handle calls for service.
Officers on Patrol: A Qualitative Examination of Patrol Officer Behavior and Decision Making
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Heley, Frank Anton
The understanding of what patrol officers do, and why, suffers from a lack of perspective presented from the officers themselves. To develop this understanding, a qualitative methodology was employed in the current study which entailed ride-alongs and semi-structured interviews with 59 patrol officers of the Fargo, ND police department. Research inquires focused on how officers viewed patrol work, how they conducted it, and how they viewed, and utilized different forms of intelligence that might assist them in their patrol duties. In the context of patrol work, officers discussed the purposes of patrol and how they serve them, their personal goals, and feelings, obstacles, beat coverage, dispatch, prioritization of duties, techniques, patrol focuses and departmental expectations. Officers also discussed the utility and value of departmental and officer derived intelligence and the nature and quality of communication between both officers and the department. Results revealed the importance officers place on the act of patrolling, the patrol obstacles generated through short staffing, high call volume, and what officers referred to as nuisance calls. Also revealed was a set of officers’ informal working rules that constituted a beat management philosophy known as beat integrity. Results also uncovered the importance that officers place on communication with both the public and the department, the problem natured focus of their patrol activities, their self-reliance on officer generated intelligence, and the negative views they held regarding the quality of departmental intelligence. Results suggest how this deeper understanding of officer behavior and decision-making can improve officer development, officer satisfaction by addressing their focuses and concerns, and the dissemination and quality of intelligence.
Over a Decade Later: A Quasi-Experimental Study of North Dakota’s Juvenile Drug Courts
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Belisle, Linsey Ann
Little is known about the long-term impact of juvenile drug court on recidivism. This study compares the adult recidivism rates among prior juvenile drug court participants against a comparison group of probated, but not drug courted juveniles. The study employed a twelve-year average follow up subsequent to participants in both groups reaching the age of majority (18). Outcomes examined included arrests, convictions, and both substance and violent convictions in adulthood. Logistic and linear regression models indicated no main effects of drug court into adulthood. However, gender appeared to be suppressing the effect of drug court on recidivism. Interaction terms indicated a vicious interaction with males in the drug court having slightly higher recidivism rates than comparison males and female drug court participants recording lower recidivism rates than comparison females. Some recommendations are made as far as modifying juvenile drug court based on these results.
Predictors of Drug Court Success in a Small City Drug Court
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Fangman, Melinda Sue
This study examines the factors related to completion outcomes of the East Central Judicial District Drug Court (ECJDDC). The ECJDDC has a 71% graduation rate which far exceeds the national average of approximately 40-45%. The dataset included information on 250 participants who entered the drug court from 2003-2011. Factors included in the analysis include those related to living situation, family situation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, current offense, and prior criminal history in addition to sex, race, and age. Logistic regression determined that the strongest predictors of graduation relate to education, income, employment, and living situation. Policy implications, practice, and future research are discussed with respect to the current results.
Residential Mobility and Substance Use among Area Youth: The Mediating Effects of Social Capital
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Rapp, Andrea Mae
This study examined self-reported substance use in relation to social capital and residential mobility by administering a survey to high school students attending three Midwestern schools. The results of this study provide partial support for social capital theory. Pearson’s correlations indicate a relationship between residential mobility and two social capital variables, community involvement and community support. Results from binary logistic regression and linear regression find that students with higher levels of family and school social capital report lower levels of substance use, and higher levels of peer support are related to higher levels of reported substance use. Further exploration of interactions between social capital measures and residential mobility finds that peer support suppresses the other social capital variables in relation to substance use. Although little support was found for residential mobility, other variables found to be significant with social capital and substance use include immigration status and grade.

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