Carl Franklin, Assistant Professor
I am working on three research projects during the 2004-05 academic year. A brief statement regarding each project is provided below.
Project 1: Measuring the Potential Chilling Effect of Civil Liability Judgments on Current Policy Initiatives in Criminal Justice at the Municipal Level
Abstract: In the last twenty years we have seen significant policy and practice changes due in some part to civil liability judgments through the courts. One question that appears relevant is just how much impact does a civil liability judgment have on the practices, procedures, and policies of modern law enforcement? Do police administrators think of potential liability when they are reviewing or formulating new policy? If so, is the interest of justice -- ultimately defined as the protection of society -- being truly served when practices are dictated by a fear of liability rather than an ability to provide necessary services?
In this research project we have undertaken the survey of more than two hundred criminal justice professionals at all levels of policy and administration. Among the chief questions asked are those which focus on the impact that civil liability may have on either the creation, implementation, execution, or even changes to criminal justice practice.
Project 2: Are Local Law Enforcement Agencies Truly Seeing Improvements Through Homeland Security?
Several years ago the political hot button was putting "100,000 cops on the streets." Most agree today that nowhere near 100,000 cops actually made it to the street. Was this political rhetoric or was their a failure in the system? And is a similar problem arising from the new focus on Homeland Security and all that it has promised?
This study seeks to identify clear evidence that changes in the way we do business after 9-11 have actually made a positive impact on local law enforcement. Are we better off today than we were in September 2001? Are we safer? Has the promise been fulfilled? Or is all this talk of Homeland Security really just more political rhetoric?
Project 3: Are Local Law Enforcement Officers Prepared to Investigate Computer Crime?
Traditionally it is the uniformed patrol officer that is first to arrive on the crime scene, and for a majority of police agencies in the nation it is the same uniformed officer who carries a substantial part of the investigation burden. These officers have traditionally received training in basic criminal investigation skills. More advanced skills are taught either on the job or through in-service training initiatives. When compared to traditional crime, such as homicide and burglary, there appears virtually no training in the area of computer or technology crime. Yet, both computer and technology crimes are on a rise in this country. This brings us to the central question of this research: when it comes to computer related crimes, are we really prepared?
Initial research has suggested that local law enforcement officers receive no training in computer or technology related crimes. Yet, computers are now a part of our everyday life, and the chances of being involved in a computer related crime has skyrocketed. This research project seeks to better understand the level of preparedness that law enforcement currently has. Our hope is to also be able to identify potential areas of weakness and strength so that we can better plan for potential future crime.