Purpose Research consistently indicates that race and ethnicity, as well as the nature of police encounters, are associated with differences in how individuals evaluate police behaviour and the degree of trust they place in law enforcement. Marginalised communities, often characterised by lower socioeconomic status, reduced social capital and minority status, tend to report less favourable experiences and lower levels of trust. However, most studies focus on police-initiated stops, despite policing being largely reactive and centred on citizen-initiated service calls. This study aims to shift attention to these encounters in Amsterdam to examine whether disparities in perceived procedural justice persist when citizens actively seek assistance. This study also assesses whether the relationship between procedural justice and institutional trust varies across social groups.Design/methodology/approach This study uses open-access survey data from the 2019 Ethnic Profiling Monitor in Amsterdam. The geographically stratified data set ensures representativeness and includes 186 respondents who initiated police contact. Social group membership is operationalised through a binary "Western/non-Western" classification based on ethnic and racial background. This reflects a dominant Dutch classificatory framework that structures social hierarchies according to perceived proximity to Dutch or European norms and often functions as a mechanism of othering, superseding more specific ethnic or racial identities. The analysis examines disparities in perceived procedural justice and whether its relationship with institutional trust varies across groups, using ANCOVA and moderation models while controlling for age, gender, economic status and contact frequency.Findings Procedural justice emerges as a strong and consistent predictor of trust: perceptions of fairness, respect and attentiveness are associated with higher institutional trust across all respondents. Initial estimates show lower perceived procedural justice among non-Western participants, but this difference becomes non-significant once economic status is included, indicating that socioeconomic position largely accounts for the gap. In contrast, a significant trust gap persists even after adjustments, with non-Western respondents reporting lower institutional trust. This pattern points to a residual "symbolic" trust gap not fully explained by immediate interactional experiences. Unadjusted models further suggest a stronger fairness-trust association among marginalised groups, though this moderating effect weakens when structural conditions are taken into account.Practical implications Disparities in perceptions of procedural justice and institutional trust remain a persistent challenge among marginalised communities in citizen-initiated police encounters. Police-citizen interactions should be understood as relational processes shaped by broader individual and collective histories. Addressing disparities, therefore, requires moving beyond interventions aimed solely at individual attitudes and towards structural reforms of the institutional and organisational conditions that shape routine encounters and reproduce symbolic inequalities in trust. Although individual encounters are unlikely to resolve these systemic divides independently, prioritising procedural justice during reactive service calls remains important, given that such interactions constitute the most common form of police-citizen contact. Their significance is further underscored by the stronger association between perceptions of procedural justice and institutional trust among non-Western respondents, a relationship that appears to be substantially mediated by socioeconomic status. Emphasising interactional fairness during these encounters may serve as a visible indicator of social recognition and institutional inclusion, thereby offering meaningful potential for strengthening institutional trust.Originality/value This study extends procedural justice research by examining ethnic and racial disparities in citizen-initiated police encounters, an underexplored but central part of everyday policing to study these disparities. This study analyses how perceived procedural justice relates to institutional trust in these interactions and contributes to the debate between the Invariance Thesis and the Asymmetry Hypothesis by assessing whether the fairness-trust relationship is consistent across groups or varies in the context of marginalisation, stigma and prior experiences that may shape sensitivity to respect and status cues. The findings of this study suggest that social categorisation processes commonly associated with police-initiated encounters may also be present in citizen-initiated contexts, despite their distinct origin in citizens' calls for state assistance under expectations of timely and appropriate response. Finally, this study critically engages with the Dutch "Western/non-Western" differentiation as a sociopolitical boundary, situating these dynamics within broader patterns of symbolic differentiation in an urban European context.
Purpose Fraudulent criminal behavior is relatively commonplace and affects millions of victims each year. Even so, many of these crimes are undetected and unreported and thus understanding the connection between committing a fraudulent crime and being processed through the criminal justice system has been difficult to ascertain. The current study aimed to address this gap in the literature by examining the association between self-reported involvement in credit card fraud and check fraud and being arrested and incarcerated.Design/methodology/approach The authors analyzed data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a nationally representative sample of American youth, to address these issues (N ranging between 10,322 and 12,445 across statistical models).Findings Overall, the results revealed a statistically significant association between all measures of fraudulent criminal behavior and the odds of being arrested and incarcerated.Research limitations/implications The authors conclude by discussing various interpretations of these results and offering suggestions for future research.Practical implications Engaging in fraudulent behavior increases the risk of being arrested. Engaging in fraudulent behavior increases the risk of being incarcerated. Although fraud is often under-reported and difficult to identify the perpetrators, fraudulent offenders are often processed through the criminal justice system. Understanding more about the nature of fraud and fraudsters may further enhance the effectiveness of identifying and processing these offenders.Originality/value To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study provides some of the first evidence on the connection between engaging in fraud and being processed through the criminal justice system when analyzing a longitudinal and nationally representative sample.
PurposeThis paper aims to explore the quality of assessments available where a child is felt to be vulnerable to child sexual exploitation (CSE). In particular it considers the preliminary reliability and validity of the Child Adolescent Sexual Exploitation Evaluation (CASEE, Ireland et al., 2025), which aims to consider vulnerability and protective factors in a child felt to be exposed to CSE concerns.Design/methodology/approachIt comprises of a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA), followed by a study of 94 professionals who completed a two-day CASEE validation event (3 events in total).FindingsThe REA captured a continued absence of theoretical and empirical background to currently available CSE assessments for children, and a continued failure to consider a Structured Professional Judgement (SPJ) approach. Taking a SPJ approach to assessing CSE using the CASEE, this initial study demonstrated a good level of inter-rater reliability overall, with limited disagreements between raters.Practical implicationsThis paper argues the value of structured Professional Judgement Tools, such as the CASEE. The clear importance of using assessment tools that are theoretically and empirically driven is observed. The CASEE enhances the understanding of vulnerability and protective factors to support the young person. This paper showcases the value of detailed case formulation, which then maximises successful case management.Originality/valueThis paper argues the continued lack of CSE assessment tools that are empirically and theoretically developed, that take advantage of the SPJ robust approach, in addition to considerations of reliability and validity. The CASEE is outlined as an emerging example of an empirically informed SPJ tool able to begin to consider some of these gaps.
PurposeThe Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF) is increasingly applied in forensic services to conceptualise psychological distress. However, limited research on its practical application hinders clinical understanding and full utilisation. This study aims to explore clinicians' experiences integrating the PTMF within a Forensic Outreach Liaison service, highlighting its strengths, practical utility and barriers to broader implementation.Design/methodology/approachSix professionals participated in individual interviews, with data analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Bracketing, reflexive logs and an external audit were conducted to enhance reliability and credibility.FindingsTwo overarching themes emerged: understanding and meaning making and barriers to implementation, each with sub-themes. Findings indicate that the PTMF is conceptually valuable, enhancing professionals' understanding of client presentations, informing clinical approaches and fostering reflection on power dynamics. It supports an integrative approach that complements existing models focusing on empowerment and trauma-informed care. However, challenges to full implementation remain, including resistance to change, dominance of the medical model, lack of standardisation and the framework's complexity, which limits collaborative use.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the clinical value of the PTMF in forensic community mental health services, with professionals endorsing it as a trauma-informed, evidence-based framework that enriches formulations, complements existing models and offers practical insights for implementation while addressing barriers to wider adoption.Originality/valueThis study enhances understanding of PTMF use in community forensic mental health, addressing a key research gap. Clinicians viewed the PTMF as a trauma-informed and empowering approach, although barriers to application persist. Supportive implementation strategies and further research are recommended.
Purpose This study aims to draw on Bjarneg & aring;rd et al. (2024) to consider the value of applying a "sexual corruption" framework within criminal justice and internal disciplinary ("administrative justice") systems, to respond to sexual misconduct by England and Wales/UK public sector professionals. Design/methodology/approach The study used a comparative case study design, analysing public documents relating to four purposively selected cases involving sexual misconduct (doctor, police officer, politician and soldier). Findings This study's pilot analysis suggests that abuse of power was central, pervasive and recognised in each of the case studies. The sexual gain and quid pro quo elements of the framework were more ambiguous and harder to evidence. The paper suggests that administrative justice systems may be well placed to adopt an abuse of power/abuse of position approach to sexual corruption so that it establishes a fully perpetrator-focused definition. Practical implications Practical implications included: To give voice to forms of behaviour which have been somewhat neglected in the corruption literature to date. Recognise the gravity of sexual corruption behaviour over and above sexual misconduct more generally. Shift focus from the victim to the perpetrators and their abuse of power. Demonstrate how some forms of sexual harassment should be given more weight because of power dynamics. Originality/value Definitions of sexual misconduct involving abuse of power often fall between the established remits of "sexual offending" and "corruption" in both criminal and administrative justice systems. The combined term "sexual corruption" provides a novel perspective in understanding how English/UK professions are responding to abuse of power for sexual gain.
Purpose Childhood maltreatment is a significant risk factor for juvenile delinquency, yet limited research has validated a suitable measurement tool in Malaysia. This study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Malay version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (M-CTQ-SF) among juvenile delinquents in Malaysia to determine its validity and reliability. Design/methodology/approach The M-CTQ-SF was administered to 256 male juvenile delinquents in Malaysian correctional centres. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using principal component analysis with promax rotation was conducted to assess construct validity. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. Findings The EFA revealed a five-factor structure consistent with previous literature. The overall scale demonstrated high internal consistency (> 0.70), with subscales, except emotional abuse, achieving acceptable reliability. These findings support the M-CTQ-SF’s suitability for assessing childhood trauma among juvenile delinquents in Malaysia. Research limitations/implications This study focused solely on incarcerated male juvenile delinquents, limiting generalizability. Future research should validate the instrument across diverse populations. Additional validation techniques, such as confirmatory factor analysis, can further establish the measure’s robustness. Practical implications The validated Malay version of the CTQ-SF provides mental health professionals and researchers with a linguistically and culturally relevant tool to assess childhood trauma. This facilitates accurate screening and intervention planning, ensuring assessments align with the lived experiences of Malaysian juvenile delinquents. Social implications Using a culturally appropriate trauma assessment tool can improve rehabilitation efforts and inform policies aimed at reducing recidivism. The Malay version ensures accessibility for professionals and youths with limited English proficiency, promoting more effective psychological support. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to validate the M-CTQ-SF among Malaysian juvenile delinquents, contributing valuable insights into trauma assessment in this population.
PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the degree to which the predictors of police officers' adherence to the code of silence vary across different levels of corruption seriousness. This paper extends prior research by comparing organizational- and individual-level factors across a spectrum of corruption scenarios.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used survey data from 448 police officers in Croatia. Respondents were presented with five hypothetical scenarios representing varying seriousness levels of police corruption, from relatively minor administrative violations ("white" police corruption) to serious criminal offenses ("black" police corruption). Separate binary logistic regression models were estimated for each scenario, using a consistent set of organizational and demographic predictors.FindingsPerceptions that fellow officers would adhere to the code of silence were the strongest and most consistent predictors of officers' own willingness to remain silent across all scenarios, regardless of their seriousness. Officers who viewed the corruption as serious were significantly less likely to remain silent in four of the five scenarios. Recognizing behavior as a policy violation and expecting dismissal were significant only in specific contexts. Supervisory status consistently predicted lower adherence to the code, while gender, tenure and assignment type showed limited or scenario-specific effects.Practical implicationsThe code of silence varies across corruption seriousness. Police culture is critical for the code of silence. Perceptions of seriousness are negatively related to the code of silence. Supervisory status is negatively related to the code of silence.Originality/valueThis study offers a novel comparison of how organizational and individual-level factors influence officers' adherence to the code of silence across varying levels of corruption seriousness - an area that has received limited empirical attention.
PurposeThis study aims to identify and analyze the cumulative psychosocial and environmental factors contributing to juvenile delinquency in India. While existing literature has explored these factors, much of it remains descriptive and lacks analytical depth. This study addresses that gap using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to uncover underlying patterns.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive cross-sectional design was used in government observation homes across Tamil Nadu, India. Data were collected from 178 juvenile delinquents using a semi-structured interview schedule. PCA with varimax rotation was applied to identify latent dimensions influencing delinquent behavior.FindingsThe PCA revealed five key underlying factors contributing to juvenile delinquency: Dissatisfaction and Emotional Rebellion, Criminal Propensity and Peer Influence, Imitation and Family Disruption, Media Influence and Material Aspiration and Educational Disengagement and Migration. These factors reflect the complex psychosocial and environmental contexts shaping youth behavior.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to a specific region (Tamil Nadu) and includes only institutionalized male juveniles, as the number of female juveniles was too small for meaningful analysis. Additionally, the cross-sectional design restricts the ability to infer causality, particularly regarding the progression from minor offenses to more serious crimes.Practical implicationsThe findings provide a framework for developing early intervention programs tailored to the specific needs of delinquent youth. Policymakers, educators and juvenile justice professionals can use this evidence to inform more targeted prevention strategies.Originality/valueThis study is among the few in India to apply PCA in juvenile delinquency research, offering a statistically grounded, multidimensional understanding of the factors involved.
PurposeThe convergence of digital technologies and local public safety practices has led to the emergence of Facebook-based community groups as informal but influential platforms for neighbourhood governance. Group administrators and moderators are increasingly central to managing online safety, yet their roles remain under-examined. This paper presents findings from Phase 1 of a four-phase study that investigates the roles, responsibilities and challenges faced by Facebook group moderators in Queensland, Australia. Being a preliminary examination, this study aims to understand how these individuals contribute to digital community safety, manage misinformation and interact with formal policing structures.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods survey was conducted with 65 moderators overseeing 61 neighbourhood Facebook groups across Queensland, Australia. The survey gathered quantitative and qualitative data on moderator practices, challenges and perceptions of their role in community safety.FindingsFindings indicate that moderators function as digital first responders, juggling content moderation, community expectations and unpaid workloads. Key challenges include the spread of misinformation, low digital literacy among group members and the absence of formal guidance from authorities. In spite of these obstacles, this study reveals opportunities for collaboration between moderators and the Queensland Police Service to foster trusted, resilient digital spaces.Practical implicationsThis paper offers recommendations for police forces, digital platform stakeholders and local policymakers to strengthen collaborative frameworks and improve digital community safety infrastructure. Moderators are emerging as a new civic layer in the governance of community safety. Structural support, targeted training and formal partnerships are essential to sustain their effectiveness in digital neighbourhood governance.Originality/valueThis paper presents findings from Phase 1 of a four-phase study that investigates the roles, responsibilities and challenges faced by Facebook group moderators in Queensland, Australia. Being a preliminary examination, this paper aims to understand how these individuals contribute to digital community safety, manage misinformation and interact with formal policing structures.
Purpose Despite their clinical value, psychologically informed planned environments (PIPEs) remain under-evaluated, with limited understanding of prisoner transitions. This study aims to explore prisoners’ experiences of transitioning from a PIPE in a high-secure prison and applying their learning within the main prison population, offering critical insights for rehabilitative practice. Design/methodology/approach Seven adult male prisoners participated in semi-structured interviews, analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis to identify group-level super-ordinate themes. The second researcher conducted an external audit of the analysis. Findings Two super-ordinate themes emerged: disengagement and transition. The findings highlight PIPE as a safe, supportive environment that fosters a strong sense of belonging, enhancing prisoners’ self-belief and readiness for transition. Participants reported increased confidence in addressing challenges. However, the importance of planned through-care is underscored to prevent feelings of rejection, sustain positive relationships and ensure continued support beyond PIPE. Originality/value These findings offer valuable, original insights into prisoners’ transitional experiences within PIPE, reinforcing the significance of its ethos in prison settings. The study highlights PIPE’s clinical value while identifying critical gaps in post-PIPE support. Recommendations are proposed to enhance continuity of care and maximise the long-term impact of PIPE on successful prisoner transitions.
Purpose This study aims to examine whether and how a training program affects police officers’ perceptions of policing as a service-oriented profession. Given the increasing emphasis on service-oriented policing in recent reforms, understanding the impact of training on officers’ perceptions is crucial for effective public service delivery. Design/methodology/approach Two interrelated studies (n = 101) were conducted to assess the impact of a training program on officers’ service orientation perceptions. This study uses a McNemar’s test, logit and ordered logit models, analyzing participants’ self-reported changes in service orientation and communication skills following program completion. Findings The results indicate that participation in the training program significantly improved officers’ perceptions of policing as a service-oriented profession. Furthermore, the perceived enhancement of communication skills positively influenced officers’ service orientation perceptions, suggesting that communication training plays a key role in shaping professional identity. Practical implications Public agencies should integrate service-oriented training programs to reinforce street-level bureaucrats’ perception of their roles as service providers. Training programs should emphasize communication skill development, as it significantly enhances service orientation. Policymakers should allocate resources to evidence-based training initiatives that improve public service delivery. Police agencies can benefit from adopting a structured, service-focused training model to align policing practices with public expectations. Continuous professional development programs should be implemented to sustain and reinforce service-oriented mindsets over time. Originality/value This study contributes to the growing body of evidence-based research on public worker training by demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted training programs in fostering a service-oriented mindset among officers. The findings provide practical insights for policymakers and public sector leaders seeking to enhance public service delivery through professional development initiatives.
Purpose This study aims to investigate contemporary public attitudes towards individuals who committed sexual offences against minors, as well as their views on a community-based support service, based on the German Prevention Project Dunkelfeld. Design/methodology/approach Through an online survey of 318 members of the UK general public, the research explored three areas: (1) attitudes towards people who committed sexual offences, measured using the Attitudes Towards Sexual Offenders (ATS-21) scale; (2) public opinion on the key features of the Prevention Project Dunkelfeld, a confidential and widely advertised service for individuals with paedophilic interests; and (3) the extent to which public attitudes may influence the provision of such programmes in the UK. Findings Despite an overall undecided or slightly negative attitude towards individuals who commit sexual offences against children, the survey findings revealed that the public supports programmes similar to the Prevention Project Dunkelfeld. This suggests a recognition of the importance of preventative and rehabilitative measures in addressing child sexual abuse and providing support services for people with a sexual attraction to minors. Practical implications This article aims to inform the development and implementation of prevention strategies and community-based support services for individuals with sexual attraction to minors and those at risk or convicted of child sexual abuse offences, taking into account public perceptions and attitudes. The goal is to help policymakers and practitioners in designing community-based services that align with societal perspectives while promoting effective prevention and rehabilitation efforts. This article highlights public attittudes as potential opportunities and challenges that may need to be addressed for a successful implementation and acceptance of community-based support services, such as the Prevention Project Dunkelfeld. Originality/value The study contributes to developing evidence-based strategies for prevention and desistance of sexual crimes against minors as well as providing clinical and support services for people who are sexually attracted to minors to achieve a desired and legal level of sexual and partnership contentedness. By gauging public perceptions, this research provides valuable insights to policymakers and practitioners, enabling them to design and implement community-based services aligning with societal perspectives and promoting effective services.
Purpose Police officers increasingly deal with individuals with mental health problems. These interactions are more likely to result in the use of force and fatalities. To monitor these situations, several experts have recommended the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) by police organizations. Past research and evaluations have overlooked how BWCs may influence mental health-related interventions, creating a knowledge gap regarding how BWC policies should oversee them. This paper, thus, aims to draw upon the street-level bureaucracy framework to explore how police officers perceive the usefulness of BWCs during interventions involving mental health issues and how they exercise discretion in activating them. Design/methodology/approach The authors analyzed comments on mental health-related interventions captured by BWCs from 83 interviews with 61 police officers. Findings The findings shed light on how BWCs may positively or negatively affect interactions with individuals with mental health issues and how officers adapt their activation practices to mitigate potential negative impacts and enhance potential positive effects on their work. Practical implications This study reiterates that the use of BWCs is not a simple solution for mental health-related calls, highlighting the need for a formal evaluation after implementation. It calls for BWC activation policies that reflect the dynamic and complex realities of police work. It does not advocate for a total ban on recording, mandatory filming or unrestricted officer discretion, but rather a balanced approach. It calls for policies that are both aligned with police leaders objectives and street-level officers’ ability to develop alternative and adaptative practices. Originality/value This study provides guidance for policymakers in developing BWC policies that will improve police–civilian interactions in the context of mental health crises while considering the ability of street-level officers to create their own alternative practices.
Purpose The purpose of this study is to establish how trauma informed practice (TIP)-based supervision is understood by justice professionals in the UK, as well as how (and whether) it is put to use in the system. Design/methodology/approach A predominantly qualitative phenomenological design with supplementary quantitative data was used to gain a holistic understanding of the topic. Police officers ( n = 53 survey; n = 5 interview), solicitors/barristers ( n = 47 survey; n = 4 interview), intermediaries ( n = 56 survey; n = 4 interview) and judges/magistrate ( n = 5 interview) were surveyed and/or interviewed. Findings Supervision was often misunderstood by professionals as case management. Only police officers noted the existence of supervision, but even that was inconsistent and often inadequate. Other respondents noted a complete lack of supervision. However, the need for it was very apparent as narratives surrounding the traumatic experiences respondents lived through included heavy detail relating to impact on mental health. Practical implications At a time when justice system organisations are developing in light of damming reviews, this research calls for embedding TIP-based supervision across all justice system organisations. TIP supervision is key whether professionals are employed (e.g. police) or self-employed (e.g. intermediaries/barristers). TIP supervision needs to be embedded already at the level of initial training, and within a wider TIP context, TIP supervision has to be conducted by adequately trained personnel. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first piece of work on TIP-based supervision in the English justice system with implications globally, as literature is sparse – trauma is present in justice systems all around the world.
Purpose This study aims to build a comprehensive framework for investment fraud prevention by bridging existing gaps in research through an integrated approach that synthesizes regulatory measures and educational interventions. Design/methodology/approach This study used a multi-site qualitative research design to explore the perspectives of key stakeholders involved in preventing investment scams. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with officers from the Royal Malaysia Police and representatives of a civil society organization. Thematic analysis, supported by ATLAS.ti software, was used to identify core themes and patterns in the qualitative data. Findings This study reveals six essential components for effective investment scam prevention: a robust regulatory framework, accessible avoidance resources, comprehensive education and awareness initiatives, informed judgment, credibility assessment and cultivated skepticism. These elements highlight the need for a multi-dimensional prevention strategy that cohesively combines individual-level vigilance with broader system-level (environmental) interventions. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study are limited in generalizability because of the qualitative nature and small sample size of the research. Practical implications Enforcement agencies and financial institutions should enhance public awareness through diverse communication channels and promote initiatives that empower individuals to detect and avoid investment scams. Social implications By protecting individuals from financial loss and emotional distress, the integrated framework can strengthen public trust in financial systems and contribute to societal well-being through improved financial literacy and proactive scam prevention. Originality/value This study proposes a novel investment scam prevention framework that combines regulatory and educational perspectives, an area often overlooked in previous research.
Purpose The aim of the Shakespeare Sessions was to empower young people with the skills to avoid violence irrespective of any in-person, or online, socio-economic barriers to theatrical intervention. This can be moved to the start of the Purpose section if necessary and/or amended as follows if required. The aim of [this study] was to empower young people with the skills to avoid violence irrespective of any in-person, or online, socio-economic barriers to theatrical intervention. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach, which used five semi-structured interviews with youth workers and actors and one focus group with four young participants, was designed to explore the participants’ experiences of this intervention. Three themes were generated in a thematic analysis: “Challenges and barriers to the intervention”; “Impacts and effects of intervention”; “Why Shakespeare?”. Findings Noticeable positive changes were observed in all participants in terms of the protective factors of confidence, empathy and resilience. A hybrid format, allowing online attendance from a secure and accessible place, has the potential to address any in-person, or online, socio-economic barriers to intervention. Practical implications The results indicate this interdisciplinary approach, mixing social work, psychology, criminology and theatre, built a positive and nurturing environment. Youth workers can discuss lived examples of violence with young participants based on forum theatre and Shakespeare. Originality/value This research makes an original contribution to knowledge because the youth interacted with actors online and after the pandemic. It seeks to expand the existing literature by priming similar studies.
Purpose Keeping streets safe at night to protect users of the night-time economy (NTE) is a responsibility shared by the police and private security companies, yet little is known about this collaboration in practice. The study aims to explore the experience of both agencies to reveal examples of good practice as well as any tensions and risks that emanate from this partnership. Design/methodology/approach Focus groups with 19 police officers and four private security guards were conducted in one city in the Southeast of England, UK, during 2023, to elicit their narrative accounts of working at night and their attitudes towards one another. Findings The study revealed the importance of non-statutory agencies in maintaining order in the city centre at night, often in the absence of a police presence, at the expense of their own safety and without legal and physical protection. However, private security guards recognised that they sometimes traversed their jurisdictional boundaries. This practice concerned the police, as it compromised formal investigation and blurred lines of responsibility. Both the police and security guards identified training needs, experienced violence themselves, felt unsupported in their work and recognised that more could be done to build collaborative working relations. Practical implications The findings suggest several practical strategies that would enhance statutory and non-statutory collaboration, particularly through strengthening the understanding of where jurisdictional boundaries should be drawn. Specifically, the instatement of formal channels of communication between formal policing and private security, alongside joint training, would be beneficial. Originality/value This study explores a gap in the current knowledge and understanding of how order is maintained at night. There is limited research into the role of private security and our understanding of police experiences of night working is nascent. By holding focus groups simultaneously with both agencies gave new insights into the current working relationship and views of one another. The respondents articulated not only mutual respect but also significant levels of distrust and misunderstandings, leading to risks for both groups and users of the NTE. The findings provide recommendations to strengthen collaborative working.
Purpose This study aims to directly compare risk and protective factors of male and female gang-involved youth. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the 2022 Arizona Youth Survey data. Gang-involved boys and girls are compared through multivariate logistic regression analyses to examine the relationship between risk and protective factors and youth gang membership. Findings Multivariate analyses reveal significant differences in risk and protective factors between gang-involved boys and girls in connection with family conflict. Practical implications There is a need for semi-specialized prevention and intervention programming for male and female gang youth. Gang programs should emphasize addressing issues with family and home life more for girls than for boys. School-based gang programs need to similarly emphasize educational commitment and positive peer influence for both gang-involved boys and girls. Improving positive neighborhood attachment through community programming will be beneficial for reducing the likelihood of gang involvement for both girls and boys. Originality/value There is a need to improve comprehension of the similarities and differences among male and female gang youth. Few studies directly compare the two groups, and by focusing on risk/protective factors, the results can help to provide direct applications to existing intervention and prevention programming.
Purpose Critical realism presents a philosophical and paradigm shift in forensic mental health scholarship and practice with youth convicted of sexual offences, which addresses current deficits in the risk management approach. Through universalism and essentialism, the dominant risk management approach classifies diverse youth by criminal behaviour and risk through predictive algorithms with a failure to account for history and oppression. In contrast, critical realism addresses identity, environment and adolescent development in practice with youth convicted of sexual offences while providing explanatory depth and a focus on social justice. The purpose of this paper is to provide an alternative perspective through critical realism and address deficits in the risk management approach with youth convicted of sexual offences. Design/methodology/approach From a critical realism perspective, this paper critiques the applicability of the risk management approach with youth convicted of sexual offences by addressing tensions in the existing scholarship and practice. This paper provides clinical examples and practical application of critical realism to ground the conceptual perspective. Findings The authors argue that critical realism provides a critical alternative to tensions in the existing scholarship and practice with youth convicted of sexual offences through the addition of context, explanatory depth and a focus on social justice. Practical implications Intersectionality and developmental life course theoretical perspectives offer nuanced contextual approaches to incorporate complexity and diversity into practice with YCSOs. Explanatory depth through critical realism urges scholars to go beyond empiricism to the deeper structures and explanations for a phenomenon. A focus on social justice includes analysis of history, power and oppression in scholarship and practice with youth convicted of sexual offences. Quantitative criticalism is an example of an emerging theory that informs methods which emphasize social justice. Practice recommendations include moving beyond conceptualizing culture as a responsivity factor alone to the incorporation of diverse knowledges and ways of being. Desistance scholarship and practice approaches that include narrative redemptive scripts are examples of approaches consistent with critical realism that focus on strengths and intersectionality theory. Originality/value Critical realism is an under-utilized paradigm within forensic mental health, which is heavily focused on the dominance of the risk management approach. In scholarship and practice with youth convicted of sexual offences, a critical realism perspective adds context, explanatory depth, and a focus on social justice.
