UW-Milwaukee researchers from the Criminal Justice & Criminology Department presented their findings at the 47th Annual Midwestern Criminal Justice Association Conference in Chicago. The conference gives participants the unique opportunity to share their latest research and collaborate with colleagues and practitioners.
UWM Panels Included:
Forecasts of Rearrest and Actual Recidivism for Women Incarcerated in Jail: Is Optimism Justified?
This study examines 115 incarcerated women’s forecasts of the likelihood of their rearrest, confidence in not breaking the law after release from jail, and recidivism, as well as the relationship between these forecasts and a variety of other relevant variables. Although optimism and confidence are negatively related to recidivism, other variables (e.g., race/ethnicity, criminal history, incarceration history, mental health, substance use, and relationship status) are important factors in these women’s perceptions of success and/or actual recidivism. Implications of the findings of optimistic (and confident) versus pessimistic/realistic views of success are discussed in relation to reintegration policy and practice.
Geographic Boundaries, Policing, and Crime Rates: Do Neighborhood Police Characteristics Influence Crime?
The current study examined whether small geographic boundaries within counties influence crime rates. The study tested effects independently on serious and less serious crimes. Data from the National Neighborhood Crime Study was utilized with a sample of census tracts (N = 10,206) from 50 cities in the United States. Interestingly, approximately 44% of violent crime was explained by characteristics of the tract, including policing. However, geographic characteristics and policing only explained approximately 20% of property crime. Taken alone, policing variables do not explain crime well, and only in conjunction with geographical information can it aid in studying crime.
Participants’ Experiences from a Veteran’s Treatment Court: Results from a Process Evaluation
Alyssa Sheeran, Leon Sawh and Tina Freiburger
Veterans’ treatment courts (VTC) provide rehabilitation rather than incarceration for justice-involved veterans to promote recovery. A collaboration of professionals provides participants with services related to substance abuse, mental and physical health, and other support services. While outcome evaluations on VTCs are a growing area, research examining the implementation of these courts is further needed. To examine this, the current study presents qualitative process evaluation data from a VTC in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. Specifically, exit interviews were conducted with VTC participants to examine their perceptions of procedural justice, programming and services, and
strengths and barriers of the court, among others
The Impact of Covid-19 and Pretrial Practices on Sentencing
Danielle M. Romain Dagenhardt and Tina Freiburger
Racial/ethnic disparities have been documented at the pretrial process, which impacts detention status at sentencing and ultimately sentencing decisions. This has led some to call for bail reform to reduce the reliance on cash bail in an effort to reduce disparity. The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered how the criminal justice system operated, likely resulting in a reduction in cash bail and detention at sentencing. Using data from Milwaukee County, this study examines whether pretrial practices and detention status at sentencing before and during the pandemic affected sentencing disparities. Implications of the findings will also be presented.