The National University System Repository exists to increase public access to research and other materials created by students and faculty of the affiliate institutions of National University System. Most items in the repository are open access, freely available to everyone.
Recent Submissions
Item Hunting the hunter: using GIS to locate a serial sexual predator in San Diego, CA(2003)Forensic evidence, such as fibers, and genetic material, has been increasingly used in the last century to identify offenders of sexual assault or provide exculpatory evidence. A critical turning point for solving these cases is locating the suspect in order to make the positive identification by matching evidence previously collected, analyzed, and identified. Locating the suspect in a stranger rape is an especially difficult task. A geographic information system (GIS) can add value to such an investigation. Commonly known as crime mapping in the law enforcement community, the GIS application has been used in policing for over ten years to support investigations. The purpose of this study is to explore the investigative application of crime mapping in the hunt for a sexual predator. The applications of geographic analysis and geographic profiling will be explored in a case study to attempt to identify the likely location to apprehend the offender.Item Human sex trafficking and the negative impact on national security(2012)This study investigates the connection between National Gang Commercial Sex Trafficking Exploitation (CSE) also known as Human Sex Trafficking, and its negative impact on United States National Security. After thoroughly defining and quantifying the scope of the problem, we will demonstrate how Human Sex Trafficking revenues negatively impact National Security. Our research will identify Human Sex Traffickers’ motives and discuss how and why the revenues generated are leveraged in favor of the national gangs, cartels, and national and international terrorists. Given the severity of the problem, we will conclude with proposed national strategies for combating this lucrative and stealthy form of terrorism. The following research objectives flow from the above statements: (1) Review and examine Human Sex Trafficking, the revenue generated, and the connection to Gangs. (2) Establish the links between gangs and terrorist organizations. (3) Connect the terrorist organizations and the revenues generated from Human Sex Trafficking as a threat to National Security. This study is limited in part by the availibility, reliability, accountibility of testimony, data, records and accounting. The study further restricts the scope to the Southwestern United States, based on the timely availibility of data and the current security impacts. This study greatly relies on first and second hand accounts and information. The validation of certain data may or may not be corroberated, due to the risk of exposing or identifying certain sources. References containing sensitive information will be provided, when feasible.Item High self esteem vs. peer pressure to engage in delinquent behavior and commit voilent crimes, in relation to adolescents(2004)There is an increasing crisis in this country with adolescents committing acts of violence. This includes the commission of a variety of crimes from assault to multiple homicides. The number of school shootings that have occurred across the country is an example of this. Gang affiliation among teens is also prevalent, and the members are often required to participate in violent acts in order to remain associated. A teen’s need to feel accepted by their peers can be extremely strong. Negative peer pressure can be inflicted upon teens in an overt fashion, such as bullying, or more subtly, in the form of alienation. Self esteem level among adolescents has an impact on how they respond to peer pressure. The higher a teen’s self esteem, the less likely they are to be easily swayed by the pressures of a group to participate in something that he or she knows is wrong. This research paper will present the many definitions of adolescence and peer pressure. Contributing factors will be addressed relating to self esteem levels in the teenage population. Statistics will be presented on the types and frequencies of delinquent behavior, and violent crimes committed by teenage suspects. The paper will focus on how a high level of self esteem counteracts negative peer pressure. Lastly, the paper will present information on how self esteem can be increased.Item The hiring preferences of crime scene evidence technician applicants: a survey(2011)Recent technological advances and an increased public interest in crime scene investigation haveled more students to pursue a degree in forensic science. As a result, many universities are now offering specific concentrations in crime scene investigation. These programs were designed based on the needs of law enforcement agencies. This study was conducted to determine if law enforcement agencies view the graduates of these programs as qualified for a crime scene evidence technician position. A review of literature on the development of these forensic science programs is presented. In this study, 102 Maryland law enforcement agencies were surveyed to determine their hiring preferences of crime scene evidence technicians. Based on the law enforcement agencies’ traditional hiring patterns, it was predicted that law enforcement agencies would prefer applicants with work experience over those with degrees, and applicants’ education would be weighted less than work experience. Law enforcement agencies were also asked to rate the importance of various forensic science areas as it relates to applicants applying for a position as a crime scene evidence technician. The survey results showed no statistically significant differences in rankings of forensic science areas or preferences. The lack of conclusive results is discussed in terms of low response rate (39.3%), geographic limitations, and inability to obtain a representative sample. Recommendations for future research are also discussed.Item Have we learned the lessons of the Willingham case? A national survey of fire investigators(2015)The research sought to quantify the extent to which six forensically faulty fire Reese methods, which were discredited by scientists more than 20 years ago, have continued to be used in the field as well as how the professional qualifications of fire investigators are related to their likelihood of using discredited fire investigation methods to infer that a given fire was intentionally set. The researcher analyzed data gathered in the National Survey of Fire Investigators, which collected 12 demographic data items from 217 public-sector fire investigators in 36 US states and asked participants seven questions to identify the causes of six fire scene observations that were once universally accepted by arson investigators as compelling signs of arson. The research showed that some of the arson investigation myths are still commonly believed to be legitimate indicators of arson, while others are no longer widely believed, and that attributes usually associated with professional competence do not reliably predict whether or not a fire investigator will recognize all six arson investigation myths.
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