Criminology & Public Policy
Scope & Guideline
Illuminating Paths to Effective Public Policy
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Policy Evaluation and Effectiveness:
The journal emphasizes rigorous evaluations of crime-related policies and interventions, assessing their effectiveness in real-world contexts. This includes systematic reviews and meta-analyses that compile evidence on what works in crime prevention and criminal justice. - Social Justice and Equity:
A core focus is on understanding and addressing issues of social justice, including racial disparities in policing, the treatment of marginalized populations within the criminal justice system, and the implications of policies on these communities. - Interdisciplinary Approaches:
The journal encourages interdisciplinary research that integrates insights from sociology, psychology, law, and public health to provide a comprehensive understanding of crime and justice issues. - Emerging Crime Trends and Technologies:
Research on new forms of crime, such as cybercrime and gun violence, is prominent, reflecting a commitment to understanding contemporary challenges in criminology. - Community Engagement and Crime Prevention:
There is a strong emphasis on community-based approaches to crime prevention, exploring how community organizing and local initiatives can effectively reduce crime and improve public safety.
Trending and Emerging
- Impact of Technology on Crime:
There is a growing emphasis on understanding how technology influences crime and public safety, including studies on cybercrime, surveillance technologies, and digital fraud. This reflects the increasing relevance of technology in both facilitating and combating crime. - Community-Centric Policing and Reform:
Research exploring community policing practices and police reform initiatives is on the rise. This trend signifies a growing interest in how police-community relationships can be improved and the effectiveness of reform measures. - Mental Health and Criminal Justice Intersections:
The journal is increasingly addressing the intersection of mental health issues and criminal justice, examining how mental health facility closures and related policies impact crime and justice outcomes. - Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Policing:
There is a heightened focus on racial and ethnic disparities in law enforcement practices, with studies analyzing the implications of these disparities for policy reform and community relations. - Gun Violence Prevention Strategies:
An increase in research dedicated to evaluating gun violence prevention strategies reflects societal concerns over gun-related crimes and the search for effective policy solutions.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Deterrence Theories:
There has been a noticeable decrease in publications focusing solely on traditional deterrence theories and their applications. This shift suggests a move toward more nuanced understandings of compliance and behavior rather than relying solely on deterrent strategies. - Focus on Incarceration Rates:
Research specifically centered on incarceration rates without broader context or policy implications seems to be less frequent. The journal appears to be moving toward examining the impact of policy reforms on incarceration rather than the rates themselves. - Punitive Justice Models:
There is a reduction in studies advocating for punitive models of justice. Instead, the focus is leaning more towards restorative and rehabilitative approaches, reflecting a broader societal shift in attitudes towards justice and rehabilitation.
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