Masters Theses

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Browsing Masters Theses by Department "Criminal Justice Administration"
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    ALCOHOL USE AND SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR AMONG POLICE OFFICERS
    (Middle Tennessee State University, 2012-11-29) Garrison, Karissa Lynn ; Jurkanin, Thomas ; Harms, Josh ; Montgomery, Michael ; Criminal Justice Administration
    Researchers have been studying police officers and alcohol abuse for years. They have also examined police suicides. This thesis addressed alcohol abuse and suicidal behavior among police officers. Three police departments were surveyed and results showed there is no statistically significant relationship between alcohol abuse and suicidal behavior among police officers. However, it was determined that age, gender, and years of experience are correlated to alcohol abuse. It was also determined that alcohol abuse prevention training and suicide prevention training at the academy lower indicators of suicidal behavior.
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    Attitudes and Perceptions Toward Females In Law Enforcement
    (Middle Tennessee State University, 2014-06-26) Green, Jessica Leigh ; Wade, Lee ; Powell, Dennis ; Montgomery, Michael ; Criminal Justice Administration
    Data submitted by the FBI in 2011 reported females accounted for 12 percent of approximately 700,000 police officers in the United States (Johnson, 2013). The purpose of this study was to assess attitudes and perceptions of police and detention officers concerning physical and emotional capabilities of females in law enforcement based on an attitudinal questionnaire with a five point Likert scale or interview. The researcher interviewed twelve female detention officers, self-administered surveys to fifty-two male patrol officers, and one female patrol officer that participated in both the interview and survey. Data was obtained from a sample of officers employed by Rutherford County Sheriff's Office located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
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    An Empirical Examination of Crime and Collective Efficacy in a Mid-Sized Southern Community
    (Middle Tennessee State University, 2014-10-30) Abbott, James Stephen ; Jurkanin, Thomas ; Harms, Joshua ; Montgomery, Michael ; Criminal Justice Administration
    Contemporary criminological theory is organized by schools of thought, based upon the particular theoretical premise, and reflecting basic assumptions about human behavior and influences. For example, some theories focus on causative biological factors in explaining criminal conduct, while others focus on psychological factors, or sociological factors. Still other theories examine crime using a mixed approach. Many contemporary theories of crime are based upon sociological perspectives and environmental influences, looking specifically at neighborhoods and communities and their relationship to crime. One such theory of community social disorganization examines collective efficacy within high crime areas. This theory is based upon the premise that neighborhoods and communities exhibiting high incidents of crime, are characterized by a lack of community organization, and suffer from a breakdown of informal social control. The theory contends that low collective efficacy among residents in the community, leads to higher rates of crime. This thesis will examine and test the theory of collective efficacy to determine if communities exhibiting lower levels of collective efficacy also demonstrate higher rates of crime.
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    HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN THE PHILIPPINES: VICTIM ACQUISITION AND EXIT STRATEGIES
    (Middle Tennessee State University, 2017-11-12) Gross, Sarah Kim ; Wright, Elizabeth ; Smith, Carter ; Rogers, Robert ; Criminal Justice Administration
    Extensive research has been conducted on the prevalence of human trafficking. However, research neglects to find exit strategy solutions for survivors of human trafficking. Exploring exit strategies is important for the purpose of developing programs targeted at earlier removal from human trafficking environments. In this qualitative exploratory study, a semi-structured interview was conducted with 13 Filipina human trafficking survivors to explore how they entered and exited human trafficking. From the experiences of female human trafficking survivors from the Philippine's Department of Social Welfare and Development, the study concluded law enforcement does play a significant role in the exiting of human trafficking survivors. Moreover, revictimization was significantly reduced with law enforcement intervention. Findings of the study could lead to potential exiting solutions for victims of human trafficking.
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    Identity Theft Risk Assessment of Middle Tennessee
    (Middle Tennessee State University, 2014-03-11) Moore, Craig R. ; Powell, Dennis ; Wade, Lee ; Burris-Kitchens, Deborah ; Criminal Justice Administration
    The FBI states that identity theft has been the fastest growing crime for more than five years and many experts believe this will continue to increase. There are countless ways an individual's personal information can be compromised, which creates a much higher likelihood of becoming a victim. Most experts agree one of the best ways to reduce the chances of victimization is to become educated about the risks and take precautionary measures. This study employed a simple survey mailed to a random sampling of middle Tennessee residents to assess their knowledge of identity theft. The purpose was to gauge respondent's knowledge of identity theft, associated risk factors and preventive measures.
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    Job Satisfaction Among Probation and Parole Staff Employed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Corrections
    (Middle Tennessee State University, 2014-05-29) Blanchard, Garen Avery ; Rogers, Robert ; Selva, Lance ; Montgomery, Michael ; Rogers, Robert ; Criminal Justice Administration
    This study is based upon a voluntary, anonymous questionnaire survey of the job satisfaction and organizational commitment of probation and parole officers (n=223) in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Standardized validation scales were used: the Job In-General Scale (a global measure of job satisfaction), the Job Descriptive Index (a facet measure of job satisfaction), and the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (a measure of loyalty to the agency itself). In brief the probation and parole officers (PO's) were satisfied with the nature of the work itself. They liked their coworkers and supervisors, but were severely dissatisfied with their pay and promotional opportunities. They demonstrated an average level of organizational commitment.
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    Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment Within Tennessee Correctional Alternative Sentencing Programs
    (Middle Tennessee State University, 2013-02-28) Grose, Ashley ; Harms, Joshua ; Newman, Deborah ; Montgomery, Michael ; Jurkanin, Thomas ; Criminal Justice Administration
    The purpose of this research study was to examine if caseload size, length of employment, and position at the organization affected both the job satisfaction and the organizational commitment. The participants consisted of probation officers, drug and alcohol counselors, psychiatrists and psychologists, along with other support staff to enable these programs to be effective. The questionnaire was distributed at DCCCP located in Nashville, Tennessee and community corrections programs throughout the state of Tennessee. The questionnaire consisted of a basic Demographic Survey, the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), and the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ). Staff members will be informed about the nature of the study and asked to participate.
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    The Mosaic Theory: Implications for Cell Site Location Tracking
    (Middle Tennessee State University, 2013-04-09) Rumsey, Robert Benjamin ; Selva, Lance ; Shulman, William ; Burris-Kitchen, Deborah ; Criminal Justice Administration
    ABSTRACT
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    STANDING YOUR GROUND IN TENNESSEE: EXPLAINING THE EXPANSION OF A NATIONAL SELF-DEFENSE TREND IN TENNESSEE LAW
    (Middle Tennessee State University, 2013-11-14) Harrington, Daniel Durell ; Selva, Lance ; Montgomery, Michael ; Shulman, William ; Criminal Justice Administration
    In the last two decades a legal trend known as "Stand Your Ground" has emerged, serving to expand on an English common law rule known as the "Castle doctrine." Stand Your Ground laws negate the Castle doctrine's central concept of a "duty to retreat" before the use of lethal force to protect oneself. This thesis will compare national laws, court cases, and trends to Tennessee and examine if "Stand Your Ground" laws have been found to affect violent crime and homicides.