Sociologist now directing a criminal justice research center focusing on research and evaluation in the areas of social justice, criminal justice, corrections, and reentry from correctional facilities.
The effect of abuse victimization in correctional samples has been researched previously, particu... more The effect of abuse victimization in correctional samples has been researched previously, particularly with an eye toward these experiences on justice-involved youth and prison samples’ offending and recidivism behavior. The role of this type of victimization, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, and polyvictimization, is less studied in jail populations. The effect of abuse victimization is also less researched among other outcomes, including behavioral health disorders (BHDs) and substance use disorder (SUD). While the effect of abuse, generally, has been examined, less is known about how abuse perpetrator type and timing of abuse impact justice-involved individuals’ outcomes. Using logistic regressions, we examined the influence of abuse perpetrator type (non-stranger or stranger) and timing (before childhood, after childhood, or before and after childhood) in a population of jailed adults from one state ( n = 4,713). Outcomes studied included internalizing BHDs, externalizing...
The National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being is a valuable resource for examining the l... more The National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being is a valuable resource for examining the lives of at-risk youth in a longitudinal fashion. Essentially, I seek to increase our knowledge of "what works?" and "for whom?" I seek to determine if negative pathways of at-risk youth are altered by social factors and professional intervention. This pathway theory is founded on the assumption that individual differences in factors such as cognitive and emotional development lead to trajectories that often lead at-risk youth down paths of negative social and behavioral outcomes. However, I also assume that turning points will be evident in the lives of these youth. Consistent with Laub and Sampson's (2003) idea of "desistance by default," I suggest that structural turning points, such as official interventions and services, social control and social support, may serve as transitions that send youth on pathways of prosocial behavior. On the other hand, experiences of subsequent victimization will likely perpetuate or exacerbate negative pathways of behavior. The NSCAW data includes 1) individual difference constructs, such as neurodevelopmental or cognitive impairment, 2) measures of social processes and transitions measured 18 months later, and 3) dependent variables measured 18 months later, or 36 months post-baseline, allowing a test of this pathway theory.
With the passage of Amendments 20 (2000) and 64 (2012), Colorado legalized the medicinal and recr... more With the passage of Amendments 20 (2000) and 64 (2012), Colorado legalized the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana. Nebraskan law enforcement in border counties subsequently reported increases in arrests and reductions in jail space. In response, the Nebraska state legislature passed LR-520 to study potential increased costs incurred by criminal justice agencies in border counties. To investigate this situation, we compare trends in drug arrests and jail occupancy across three areas: border counties, those that contain Interstate 80 as a major transportation route, and the remaining counties in the state of Nebraska from 2000 through 2013. We found that border counties, but not necessarily those along the I-80 corridor, experienced significant growth in marijuana-related arrests and jail admissions after the expansion of the medical marijuana program in Colorado. Implications for research and policy are discussed.
A number of studies have identified "what works" in regard to the successful implementation of co... more A number of studies have identified "what works" in regard to the successful implementation of correctional programming over the past several decades. Few studies, however, have examined the complexities associated with programming in restrictive housing. Using data from a Midwestern department of corrections, we examined whether the provision of programming in restrictive housing achieved desired outcomes (e.g., reductions in inmate misconduct). The findings revealed the amount of time served in restrictive housing and confinement in different types of restrictive housing may influence estimations of a treatment effect. As a growing number of states seek to reform the use of restrictive housing, the proper implementation of cognitive-behavioral programming may increase institutional security and safety.
This article further specifies the relationship between church-based resources, group identificat... more This article further specifies the relationship between church-based resources, group identification and political activism among black Americans. Previous research indicates that political communication within churches and activism within the church serve to motivate political participation. Our research suggests that, net of relevant controls, activism within the church does not significantly increase protest politics. A key determinant of protest participation is attending a church that exhibits a politicized church culture, and this effect is contingent upon educational attainment and membership in secular organizations. Hence, the church serves as a crucial context for the dissemination of political messages and exposure to opportunities for protest only for those black Americans with relatively low educational achievement and organizational involvement. Group identification has no effect on protest participation. From the black Civil Rights movement to Poland's Solidarity movement, from the Nicaraguan revolution of 1979 to the South African anti-Apartheid movement, from Gandhi's movement for Indian independence to the U.S. Central America peace movements of the 1980s, people and organizations of faith have contributed indispensable resources to mobilization of disruptive political activism.-Smith 1996 Churches, congregations and other religious organizations provide an array of sectarian and secular goods to participants. Through these organizations individuals can receive spiritual guidance, fellowship and sanctuary while building friendships and social networks. In modern western democracies, political views are expressed by the public through both institutional and non-institutional means. Institutional activities (voting, lobbying, petitioning) and non-institutional activities (protest) represent calculated attempts by individuals and groups to communicate their goals and affect change. If that is the case, why do some individuals engage in protest behavior while others do not? What role do religious institutions and beliefs play in producing protest? Research has shown that the decision to participate in protest behavior, or social movement activity more generally, is influenced by pre-existing organizational ties (McAdam 1986; Morris 1981) and contact with participants (Snow, Zurcher and Eckland-Olson 1980). Being asked to participate in an activity, such as political protest, is a crucial step in the process of engaging in protest behavior (McCarthy and Zald 2002). Some churches and other religious organizations engage in political activity as an organization (Beyerlein and Chaves 2003; Chaves 2004; Lincoln and Mamiya 1990) or encourage political action by members
In order to better understand how Colorado drug policy may have affected counties along the borde... more In order to better understand how Colorado drug policy may have affected counties along the border, we compared trends in marijuana-related criminal justice activity among county agencies following the enactment of both Amendments. Border county arrests, jail admissions, and associated costs of incarceration were compared to two other county groups, those that contain Interstate I-80 as a major transportation route, and a "control group" comprised of the remaining counties in the state of Nebraska from 2000 through 2013. This analysis approximates a "natural experiment" based on the assumption that Nebraska counties that border Colorado will experience the largest impact from the legal changes in Colorado. Because Interstate 80 is the major east/west thoroughfare in Nebraska linking Colorado to the east, we assume the counties along the I-80 corridor will experience an impact that is less than that of border counties, but higher than control counties. Finally, we assume that "control counties" that are neither border counties, nor I-80 corridor counties, will be affected the least since 2000.
With the passage of Amendment 64 in 2012, the people of Colorado legalized the sale of recreation... more With the passage of Amendment 64 in 2012, the people of Colorado legalized the sale of recreational marijuana. While early evidence suggests that the policy change was both a cost cutting measure for Colorado law enforcement as well as a significant source of state revenue (an estimated $80 million), such benefits have not been shared among states that border Colorado. In fact, marijuana remains prohibited in states such as Nebraska, where criminal justice officials have reported that marijuana arrests and jail admissions have increased significantly in the past half-decade, particularly in counties on the Colorado border, in the panhandle, and along Interstate 80. Officials also claimed that the most significant increases occurred during 2014, which was the first year recreational marijuana dispensaries opened their doors to both in and out of state residents. In 2014, a Nebraska state legislative committee met with county sheriffs, local prosecutors, and jail administrators reportedly affected by increased levels of marijuana activity. During an initial hearing, criminal justice practitioners in western Nebraska and along I-80 testified to an increase in the amount of time and money devoted to processing marijuana arrests and transporting arrestees to jail. Officials claimed that for a number of years dating back to 2009, marijuana arrests have steadily increased, with the most significant growth occurring during 2014. Shortly after this hearing, Nebraska and Oklahoma sued Colorado for monetary relief due to the increased costs associated with changes in Colorado's marijuana policy. However, the Supreme Court of the United States has recently dismissed the lawsuit, requiring that it go through lower federal courts before the argument will be heard.
With the passage of Amendment 20 in 2000 and Amendment 64 in 2012, Colorado legalized the medicin... more With the passage of Amendment 20 in 2000 and Amendment 64 in 2012, Colorado legalized the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana. Subsequently, Nebraskan law enforcement agencies in border counties have reported increases in arrests and jail admissions for marijuana-related offenses. In response, the Nebraska Legislature passed Legislative Resolution 520 to study potential increased costs incurred by criminal justice agencies in border counties. In order to better understand how Colorado drug policy may have affected counties along the border, we compared trends in marijuana-related criminal justice activity among county agencies following the enactment of both Amendments. Border county arrests, jail admissions, and associated costs of incarceration were compared to two other county groups, those that contain Interstate I-80 as a major transportation route, and a "control group" comprised of the remaining counties in the state of Nebraska from 2000 through 2013. This analysis approximates a "natural experiment" based on the assumption that Nebraska counties that border Colorado will experience the largest impact from the legal changes in Colorado. Because Interstate 80 is the major east/west thoroughfare in Nebraska linking Colorado to the east, we assume the counties along the I-80 corridor will experience an impact that is less than that of border counties, but higher than control counties. Finally, we assume that "control counties" that are neither border counties, nor I-80 corridor counties, will be affected the least since 2000. The findings of this report should be interpreted with some degree of caution given that we were unable to account for many factors that could affect these figures (e.g., the presence of law enforcement, poverty levels, policy decisions, etc.). In addition, we should note that these estimates may not reflect the totality of the most recent consequences related to marijuana policy in Colorado (i.e., legalized recreational use) because the data for 2014 is not yet available. The Nebraska Center for Justice Research (NCJR) will provide an updated report on marijuana-related trends in Nebraska next year when the 2014 data become available. All of the data contained in this report are available at the county level, so NCJR can provide county specific estimates of marijuana related arrests and jail admissions upon request. Three predictions examined in this study: 1. Border counties will exhibit the largest increases in marijuana-related arrests, jail admissions, and associated costs of incarceration. 2. I-80 corridor counties will exhibit increases in marijuana-related arrests, jail admissions, and associated costs of incarceration that fall between that of border counties and control counties. 3. Control counties exhibit the smallest increases in marijuana-related arrests, jail admissions, and associated costs of incarceration. Analysis of possession arrests Analysis of sale arrests Analysis of marijuana related admissions vs. all other admissions Analysis of growth in percent of marijuana-related admissions Analysis of jail overcrowding Analysis of estimated dollars spent on incarceration of marijuana offenders
A special thank you to the stakeholders from across the state who took time away from their sched... more A special thank you to the stakeholders from across the state who took time away from their schedules to meet and discuss specific funding needs. Thank you to the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (NCC), which is the State Administrating Agency for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), for partnering with the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Your partnership has been crucial to completing this planning and facilitating agency participation. We wish to specifically acknowledge Executive Director Darrell Fisher and Grants Division Chief Lisa Stamm. Lastly, thank you to Kim Trost, Sage Jensen, and Jennifer Miller, who helped format and edit, gather data, write and collect surveys, and summarize findings.
Abstract: The intuitively appealing hypothesized relationship between drug use and physical healt... more Abstract: The intuitively appealing hypothesized relationship between drug use and physical health status is reexamined critically in a longitudinal perspective. Individuals who were first surveyed in Houston junior high schools in 1971 are followed up through personal interviews in the fourth decade of life. In addition to focusing on the baseline effect of drug use on health, we include latent constructs reflecting deviance and psychological maladjustment as theoretically relevant antecedent and mediating variables. Using ...
The effect of abuse victimization in correctional samples has been researched previously, particu... more The effect of abuse victimization in correctional samples has been researched previously, particularly with an eye toward these experiences on justice-involved youth and prison samples’ offending and recidivism behavior. The role of this type of victimization, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, and polyvictimization, is less studied in jail populations. The effect of abuse victimization is also less researched among other outcomes, including behavioral health disorders (BHDs) and substance use disorder (SUD). While the effect of abuse, generally, has been examined, less is known about how abuse perpetrator type and timing of abuse impact justice-involved individuals’ outcomes. Using logistic regressions, we examined the influence of abuse perpetrator type (non-stranger or stranger) and timing (before childhood, after childhood, or before and after childhood) in a population of jailed adults from one state ( n = 4,713). Outcomes studied included internalizing BHDs, externalizing...
The National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being is a valuable resource for examining the l... more The National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being is a valuable resource for examining the lives of at-risk youth in a longitudinal fashion. Essentially, I seek to increase our knowledge of "what works?" and "for whom?" I seek to determine if negative pathways of at-risk youth are altered by social factors and professional intervention. This pathway theory is founded on the assumption that individual differences in factors such as cognitive and emotional development lead to trajectories that often lead at-risk youth down paths of negative social and behavioral outcomes. However, I also assume that turning points will be evident in the lives of these youth. Consistent with Laub and Sampson's (2003) idea of "desistance by default," I suggest that structural turning points, such as official interventions and services, social control and social support, may serve as transitions that send youth on pathways of prosocial behavior. On the other hand, experiences of subsequent victimization will likely perpetuate or exacerbate negative pathways of behavior. The NSCAW data includes 1) individual difference constructs, such as neurodevelopmental or cognitive impairment, 2) measures of social processes and transitions measured 18 months later, and 3) dependent variables measured 18 months later, or 36 months post-baseline, allowing a test of this pathway theory.
With the passage of Amendments 20 (2000) and 64 (2012), Colorado legalized the medicinal and recr... more With the passage of Amendments 20 (2000) and 64 (2012), Colorado legalized the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana. Nebraskan law enforcement in border counties subsequently reported increases in arrests and reductions in jail space. In response, the Nebraska state legislature passed LR-520 to study potential increased costs incurred by criminal justice agencies in border counties. To investigate this situation, we compare trends in drug arrests and jail occupancy across three areas: border counties, those that contain Interstate 80 as a major transportation route, and the remaining counties in the state of Nebraska from 2000 through 2013. We found that border counties, but not necessarily those along the I-80 corridor, experienced significant growth in marijuana-related arrests and jail admissions after the expansion of the medical marijuana program in Colorado. Implications for research and policy are discussed.
A number of studies have identified "what works" in regard to the successful implementation of co... more A number of studies have identified "what works" in regard to the successful implementation of correctional programming over the past several decades. Few studies, however, have examined the complexities associated with programming in restrictive housing. Using data from a Midwestern department of corrections, we examined whether the provision of programming in restrictive housing achieved desired outcomes (e.g., reductions in inmate misconduct). The findings revealed the amount of time served in restrictive housing and confinement in different types of restrictive housing may influence estimations of a treatment effect. As a growing number of states seek to reform the use of restrictive housing, the proper implementation of cognitive-behavioral programming may increase institutional security and safety.
This article further specifies the relationship between church-based resources, group identificat... more This article further specifies the relationship between church-based resources, group identification and political activism among black Americans. Previous research indicates that political communication within churches and activism within the church serve to motivate political participation. Our research suggests that, net of relevant controls, activism within the church does not significantly increase protest politics. A key determinant of protest participation is attending a church that exhibits a politicized church culture, and this effect is contingent upon educational attainment and membership in secular organizations. Hence, the church serves as a crucial context for the dissemination of political messages and exposure to opportunities for protest only for those black Americans with relatively low educational achievement and organizational involvement. Group identification has no effect on protest participation. From the black Civil Rights movement to Poland's Solidarity movement, from the Nicaraguan revolution of 1979 to the South African anti-Apartheid movement, from Gandhi's movement for Indian independence to the U.S. Central America peace movements of the 1980s, people and organizations of faith have contributed indispensable resources to mobilization of disruptive political activism.-Smith 1996 Churches, congregations and other religious organizations provide an array of sectarian and secular goods to participants. Through these organizations individuals can receive spiritual guidance, fellowship and sanctuary while building friendships and social networks. In modern western democracies, political views are expressed by the public through both institutional and non-institutional means. Institutional activities (voting, lobbying, petitioning) and non-institutional activities (protest) represent calculated attempts by individuals and groups to communicate their goals and affect change. If that is the case, why do some individuals engage in protest behavior while others do not? What role do religious institutions and beliefs play in producing protest? Research has shown that the decision to participate in protest behavior, or social movement activity more generally, is influenced by pre-existing organizational ties (McAdam 1986; Morris 1981) and contact with participants (Snow, Zurcher and Eckland-Olson 1980). Being asked to participate in an activity, such as political protest, is a crucial step in the process of engaging in protest behavior (McCarthy and Zald 2002). Some churches and other religious organizations engage in political activity as an organization (Beyerlein and Chaves 2003; Chaves 2004; Lincoln and Mamiya 1990) or encourage political action by members
In order to better understand how Colorado drug policy may have affected counties along the borde... more In order to better understand how Colorado drug policy may have affected counties along the border, we compared trends in marijuana-related criminal justice activity among county agencies following the enactment of both Amendments. Border county arrests, jail admissions, and associated costs of incarceration were compared to two other county groups, those that contain Interstate I-80 as a major transportation route, and a "control group" comprised of the remaining counties in the state of Nebraska from 2000 through 2013. This analysis approximates a "natural experiment" based on the assumption that Nebraska counties that border Colorado will experience the largest impact from the legal changes in Colorado. Because Interstate 80 is the major east/west thoroughfare in Nebraska linking Colorado to the east, we assume the counties along the I-80 corridor will experience an impact that is less than that of border counties, but higher than control counties. Finally, we assume that "control counties" that are neither border counties, nor I-80 corridor counties, will be affected the least since 2000.
With the passage of Amendment 64 in 2012, the people of Colorado legalized the sale of recreation... more With the passage of Amendment 64 in 2012, the people of Colorado legalized the sale of recreational marijuana. While early evidence suggests that the policy change was both a cost cutting measure for Colorado law enforcement as well as a significant source of state revenue (an estimated $80 million), such benefits have not been shared among states that border Colorado. In fact, marijuana remains prohibited in states such as Nebraska, where criminal justice officials have reported that marijuana arrests and jail admissions have increased significantly in the past half-decade, particularly in counties on the Colorado border, in the panhandle, and along Interstate 80. Officials also claimed that the most significant increases occurred during 2014, which was the first year recreational marijuana dispensaries opened their doors to both in and out of state residents. In 2014, a Nebraska state legislative committee met with county sheriffs, local prosecutors, and jail administrators reportedly affected by increased levels of marijuana activity. During an initial hearing, criminal justice practitioners in western Nebraska and along I-80 testified to an increase in the amount of time and money devoted to processing marijuana arrests and transporting arrestees to jail. Officials claimed that for a number of years dating back to 2009, marijuana arrests have steadily increased, with the most significant growth occurring during 2014. Shortly after this hearing, Nebraska and Oklahoma sued Colorado for monetary relief due to the increased costs associated with changes in Colorado's marijuana policy. However, the Supreme Court of the United States has recently dismissed the lawsuit, requiring that it go through lower federal courts before the argument will be heard.
With the passage of Amendment 20 in 2000 and Amendment 64 in 2012, Colorado legalized the medicin... more With the passage of Amendment 20 in 2000 and Amendment 64 in 2012, Colorado legalized the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana. Subsequently, Nebraskan law enforcement agencies in border counties have reported increases in arrests and jail admissions for marijuana-related offenses. In response, the Nebraska Legislature passed Legislative Resolution 520 to study potential increased costs incurred by criminal justice agencies in border counties. In order to better understand how Colorado drug policy may have affected counties along the border, we compared trends in marijuana-related criminal justice activity among county agencies following the enactment of both Amendments. Border county arrests, jail admissions, and associated costs of incarceration were compared to two other county groups, those that contain Interstate I-80 as a major transportation route, and a "control group" comprised of the remaining counties in the state of Nebraska from 2000 through 2013. This analysis approximates a "natural experiment" based on the assumption that Nebraska counties that border Colorado will experience the largest impact from the legal changes in Colorado. Because Interstate 80 is the major east/west thoroughfare in Nebraska linking Colorado to the east, we assume the counties along the I-80 corridor will experience an impact that is less than that of border counties, but higher than control counties. Finally, we assume that "control counties" that are neither border counties, nor I-80 corridor counties, will be affected the least since 2000. The findings of this report should be interpreted with some degree of caution given that we were unable to account for many factors that could affect these figures (e.g., the presence of law enforcement, poverty levels, policy decisions, etc.). In addition, we should note that these estimates may not reflect the totality of the most recent consequences related to marijuana policy in Colorado (i.e., legalized recreational use) because the data for 2014 is not yet available. The Nebraska Center for Justice Research (NCJR) will provide an updated report on marijuana-related trends in Nebraska next year when the 2014 data become available. All of the data contained in this report are available at the county level, so NCJR can provide county specific estimates of marijuana related arrests and jail admissions upon request. Three predictions examined in this study: 1. Border counties will exhibit the largest increases in marijuana-related arrests, jail admissions, and associated costs of incarceration. 2. I-80 corridor counties will exhibit increases in marijuana-related arrests, jail admissions, and associated costs of incarceration that fall between that of border counties and control counties. 3. Control counties exhibit the smallest increases in marijuana-related arrests, jail admissions, and associated costs of incarceration. Analysis of possession arrests Analysis of sale arrests Analysis of marijuana related admissions vs. all other admissions Analysis of growth in percent of marijuana-related admissions Analysis of jail overcrowding Analysis of estimated dollars spent on incarceration of marijuana offenders
A special thank you to the stakeholders from across the state who took time away from their sched... more A special thank you to the stakeholders from across the state who took time away from their schedules to meet and discuss specific funding needs. Thank you to the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (NCC), which is the State Administrating Agency for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), for partnering with the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Your partnership has been crucial to completing this planning and facilitating agency participation. We wish to specifically acknowledge Executive Director Darrell Fisher and Grants Division Chief Lisa Stamm. Lastly, thank you to Kim Trost, Sage Jensen, and Jennifer Miller, who helped format and edit, gather data, write and collect surveys, and summarize findings.
Abstract: The intuitively appealing hypothesized relationship between drug use and physical healt... more Abstract: The intuitively appealing hypothesized relationship between drug use and physical health status is reexamined critically in a longitudinal perspective. Individuals who were first surveyed in Houston junior high schools in 1971 are followed up through personal interviews in the fourth decade of life. In addition to focusing on the baseline effect of drug use on health, we include latent constructs reflecting deviance and psychological maladjustment as theoretically relevant antecedent and mediating variables. Using ...
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