NIJ Journal Issue No. 269

• NCJ Number: 237720
• Journal: NIJ Journal Issue: 269 Dated: March 2012 Pages: 1-32
• Date Published: March 2012
• Length: 32 pages
• Publication Series: NIJ Journal
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Type: Issue Overview

Annotation

Seven articles address the psychological effects of solitary confinement, carbon-14 dating applied to recent human remains, controlling crime with evidence-based policing, an effective probation program, improvement in reentry services for women released from prison, an online guide for forensic experts in testifying, and a Web site of evidence-based criminal justice programs.

Abstract

"Study Raises Questions About Psychological Effects of Solitary Confinement" describes the methodology and findings of a study in Colorado that found inmates in solitary confinement did not suffer adverse psychological effects, and in many cases improved mental health. "Applying Carbon-14 Dating to Recent Human Remains" describes how measuring carbon-14 levels in human tissue can help forensic scientists determine age and year of death in cases that involve unidentified human remains. "Being Smart on Crime With Evidence-based Policing" presents the reflections of a former police chief on how law enforcement agencies can do a better job of using science to reduce crime."HOPE: A Swift and Certain Process for Probationers" describes how Federal agencies are collaborating in determining whether a Hawaii probation program (HOPE) that reduces probation violations can be replicated in other jurisdictions. "Improving Access to Services for Female Offenders Returning to the Community" reports on an evaluation of reentry services for female offenders that can lead to modest improvements in key areas. "Law 101: Legal Guide for the Forensic Expert" describes a new online course that helps forensic specialists prepare for testifying in court. "Solving Crime Problems With Research" describes a newly created Web site that offers practitioners and policymakers a practical tool for finding information about evidence-based criminal justice programs.