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1 – 10 of 34S. Sebnem Ozcan, Hulki Akin, Hakan Bayram, Musa Bas, Ahmet Yildiz and Atalay Ozdemiroglu
The use of canines in the gathering of evidence is a valuable tool for law enforcement to discover crime and criminals. Narcotics, explosives, cadaver detection, search and…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of canines in the gathering of evidence is a valuable tool for law enforcement to discover crime and criminals. Narcotics, explosives, cadaver detection, search and rescue, or patrol dogs are prevalently used by most police organizations for combatting crime. Police service dogs decrease the time required and increase success in crime detection. The purpose of this paper is to review the different fields of police service dog training programs, to investigate their implementation abroad and compare them to Turkey.
Design/methodology/approach
Various dog training methods are discussed, prior to the fields of police dog service. Research about the official units and legal procedures abroad are reported. The situation in Turkey is specified. As a representative in the field, The Dog Training Center of the Turkish National Police is examined. The overall comparison between Turkey and other countries is made and the paper concludes with an evaluation of future prospects.
Findings
For a better and successful fight against crime in Turkey, it is recommended that the standards concerning training and certification of the dog and the handler should be determined; an effective and accurate education should be given to the handlers so that they might better train service dogs for the security needs of private bodies such as companies and firms.
Originality/value
The paper shows that a more scientific approach will lead to the formation of standards in dog training and provide a successful way to fight crime by increasing efficiency.
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Barbara J. Cooke and David P. Farrington
Offender-led dog-training programmes (DTPs) are increasingly used throughout US correctional facilities. The rather sparse literature on these programmes is outlined in this…
Abstract
Purpose
Offender-led dog-training programmes (DTPs) are increasingly used throughout US correctional facilities. The rather sparse literature on these programmes is outlined in this manuscript, including the reported benefits of participation. The purpose of this paper is to examine the opinions of programme coordinators and staff from 13 programmes.
Design/methodology/approach
The perceived effects were measured using an open-ended questionnaire, with attention paid to those benefits reported in the extant literature.
Findings
Respondents noted improvements in several factors including impulsivity, self-efficacy, empathy, social skills, emotional intelligence, and employability.
Practical implications
It is argued that DTPs should be implemented in other countries including the UK, and that well-designed, larger scale evaluations are needed.
Originality/value
Though potentially limited by sample size and self-selection biases, these findings expand on the existing literature by supporting existing reports as well as expanding the breadth of the DTPs that have been studied.
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This paper aims to describe a case that has worked with community aiming to prevent koala deaths and injuries across known causes including dogs.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to describe a case that has worked with community aiming to prevent koala deaths and injuries across known causes including dogs.
Design/methodology/approach
Over a 6½-year period, a project team has applied the Co-create–Build–Engage (CBETM) process initially delivering a proof-of-concept pilot programme for one threat faced by koalas, which was later scaled to citywide delivery. This approach is now being extended across 12 local government areas, and the author’s team is now working across all preventable threats faced by koalas’ regionwide. Leave It is now nested as one behaviour change project in a wider project delivered across Southeast Queensland, in partnership with Queensland Government, 12 local government areas, community groups and other organisations.
Findings
Underpinned by the pathway to impact and CBETM processes, this paper describes how the 3½-year Leave It project reduced koala deaths from dog attacks by 40% in the Redland City Council area. A reduction in koala deaths will contribute to a measurable increase in the local koala population across successive generations delivering lasting impact.
Research limitations/implications
This paper provides an overview of links between inputs, activities, outputs and outcomes to impact. Robust koala population data is needed to precisely measure impact over time.
Practical implications
One female koala joey saved equates to seven new koalas in the next generation and prevention of koala deaths can be achieved when people can be motivated to take action.
Originality/value
This paper reflects on 6½ years of experience applying marketing to deliver changes in people’s behaviour that protect koalas. A high-level overview of the strategic and operational marketing efforts that have been and continue to be applied is described.
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Jenny Mercer, Ella Williams Davies, Megan Cook and Nic J. Bowes
Amid concerns regarding prisoner well-being, growing evidence indicates that prison animal programmes (PAPs), most commonly involving dogs, have significant therapeutic potential…
Abstract
Purpose
Amid concerns regarding prisoner well-being, growing evidence indicates that prison animal programmes (PAPs), most commonly involving dogs, have significant therapeutic potential. Published research on this topic from the UK remains sparse, and more is needed to determine the type of programmes which work best and for whom. This study aims to explore the perceived benefits of a short-term PAP on the well-being of a sample of individuals assessed as at risk of self-harm.
Design/methodology/approach
Participants with complex mental health needs in a category B prison took part in a four-week programme where two dogs were brought in for interactions once a week. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants at the end of the programme.
Findings
Three themes were identified through thematic analysis: “A Safe Space for Emotional Experience”, “An Opportunity to Connect” and “Being Human”. The narratives offered a range of perceived benefits which illustrated the potential of dog based PAPs for enhancing well-being and consistency with desistance goals.
Practical implications
The findings illustrate that even short-term interactions with dogs can be impactful and provide evidence for other practitioners about how this approach may be used with individuals with complex mental health needs.
Originality/value
The study highlights the therapeutic potential of the presence of animals in prisons. The research contributes to the limited literature about PAPS in the UK.
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Colleen Dell, Darlene Chalmers, Mark Stobbe, Betty Rohr and Alicia Husband
Prison-based animal programs are becoming increasingly common in North America. The majority focus on community and animal well-being, with less explicit therapeutic goals for…
Abstract
Purpose
Prison-based animal programs are becoming increasingly common in North America. The majority focus on community and animal well-being, with less explicit therapeutic goals for human participants. The purpose of this paper is to measure the objectives of a canine animal-assisted therapy (AAT) program in a Canadian psychiatric prison and examine whether the program supports inmates’ correctional plans.
Design/methodology/approach
A modified instrumental case study design was applied with three inmates over a 24-AAT-session program. Quantitative and qualitative AAT session data were collected and mid- and end-of-program interviews were held with the inmates, their mental health clinicians and the therapy dog handlers.
Findings
Inmates connected with the therapy dogs through the animals’ perceived offering of love and support. This development of a human–animal bond supported inmates’ correctional plans, which are largely situated within a cognitive-behavioral skill development framework. Specifically, inmates’ connections with the therapy dogs increased recognition of their personal feelings and emotions and positively impacted their conduct.
Research limitations/implications
The findings suggest that prison-based AAT programs emphasizing inmate mental well-being, alongside that of animal and community well-being generally, merit further exploration. It would be worthwhile to assess this AAT program with a larger and more diverse sample of inmates and in a different institutional context and also to conduct a post-intervention follow-up.
Originality/value
This is the first study of a prison-based AAT program in a Canadian psychiatric correctional facility.
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Daniela Jauk, Brenda Gill, Christie Caruana and Sharon Everhardt
The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the invisible incarcerated women population who are convicted of a crime and serving a sentence in a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the invisible incarcerated women population who are convicted of a crime and serving a sentence in a residential correctional facility in the United States (US). Even though correctional populations have been declining in the past years, the extent of mass incarceration has been a significant public health concern even before the pandemic. Moreover, the global spread of COVID-19 continues to have devastating effects in all the world's societies, and it has exacerbated existing social inequalities within the US carceral complex.
Methodology/Approach
We base our findings on data collection from two comparative clinical sociological garden interventions in a large Southeastern women's prison and a Midwestern residential community correctional facility for women. Both are residential correctional facilities for residents convicted of a crime. In contrast, in prison, women are serving longer-term sentences, and in the community corrections facility, women typically are housed for six months. We have developed and carried out educational garden programming and related research on both sites over the past two years and observe more closely the impact of COVID-19 on incarcerated women and their communities, which has aggravated the invisibility and marginalization of incarcerated women who suffered a lack of programming and insufficient research attention already before the pandemic.
Findings
We argue that prison gardens' educational programming has provided some respite from the hardships of the pandemic and is a promising avenue of correctional rehabilitation and programming that fosters sustainability, healthier nutrition, and mental health among participants.
Originality of Chapter
Residential correctional facilities are distinctively sited to advance health equity and community health within a framework of sustainability, especially during a pandemic. We focus on two residential settings for convicted women serving a sentence in a prison or a residential community corrections facility that offers rehabilitation and educational programming. Women are an underserved population within the US carceral system, and it is thus essential to develop more programming and research for their benefit.
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In an MBA capstone project course, a team of four mid-career, working professionals had assessed the feasibility of a new venture idea. All four were dog-lovers who had been…
Abstract
Synopsis
In an MBA capstone project course, a team of four mid-career, working professionals had assessed the feasibility of a new venture idea. All four were dog-lovers who had been frustrated by the ineffectiveness of the various dog training programs and products in which they had participated. Their idea was to utilize a novel technology to assist dog owners in the training process. After completing the course, the team met to determine whether SmartPooch was just an interesting idea—or alternatively was a sufficiently promising opportunity that one or more of them would continue to explore it.
Research methodology
The four students who are the case protagonists conducted both primary and secondary research. In addition, the case writer conducted additional secondary research and consulted with the four students during the development of the case study.
Relevant courses and levels
Introductory Entrepreneurship course at Master’s or Undergraduate levels
Theoretical bases
Frameworks from which feasibility analysis questions were derived include Mullins’ New Business Road Test and Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas. The discussion of opportunity recognition starts with the definition of opportunity drawn from Hansen, D.J.; Shrader, R.; and Monllor, J. (2009), “Composite definitions of entrepreneurial opportunity and their operationalizations: toward a typology”, Frontiers of Entrepreneurship Research, Vol. 29 No. 17.
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Jenny Mercer, Kerry Gibson and Debbie Clayton
Much evidence suggests that animals can serve as therapeutic tools for those working with vulnerable individuals. This exploratory study analysed the accounts of staff and…
Abstract
Purpose
Much evidence suggests that animals can serve as therapeutic tools for those working with vulnerable individuals. This exploratory study analysed the accounts of staff and offenders involved in a UK prison-based animal programme. The purpose of this paper was to explore the perceived impact of such a programme with male offenders.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three service users and five staff members. Participants were drawn from a special unit in a category B prison which housed an animal centre.
Findings
A thematic analysis identified four salient themes: a sense of responsibility, building trust, enhanced communication, and impact on mood and behaviour. Findings revealed that offenders seemed to gain particular benefit from interacting with the two Labrador dogs which were present on the wing.
Practical implications
The study highlights the therapeutic potential of the presence of animals in prisons. Their implications of this for forensic practice are discussed.
Originality/value
This paper offers an important contribution to the sparse literature about prison-based animal programmes in the UK.
Details
Keywords
Whilst a growing body of support exists for the use of prison animal programmes (PAPs), research within UK prisons is sparse. Opportunity to add to this body of literature is also…
Abstract
Purpose
Whilst a growing body of support exists for the use of prison animal programmes (PAPs), research within UK prisons is sparse. Opportunity to add to this body of literature is also limited due to the practical barriers around safely embedding animals within forensic settings. This study aims to capitalise on an opportunity to explore a visitation model of a prison-based dog programme (PBDP), recently implemented within a UK prison. The intervention requires staff members to volunteer to bring their pets into the prison on a weekly basis and to accompany them as they complete their normal day-to-day prison roles.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected within a Category B adult prison for males convicted of a sexual offence. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six prisoners who had spent time with the visitation dogs and six staff members who had been part of those interactions. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, and three themes were developed that focused specifically on the value of this model of PBDP (staff members bringing their pets into the prison).
Findings
Three themes (reconnecting men to their outside lives; legitimising pro-social narrative; and “a safe space for them to open up”) were developed from participants’ lived experience of the intervention and its perceived value.
Practical implications
The potential for a low-level PAP to contribute to a rehabilitative prison culture was supported.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to explore the value of this particular model of PBDP within a UK prison.
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This study aims to assess the nature and scope of dog-based programmes in prisons, assessing critically the potential opportunities, benefits, challenges and risks of developing…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the nature and scope of dog-based programmes in prisons, assessing critically the potential opportunities, benefits, challenges and risks of developing innovative dog-based programmes for older prisoners in England and Wales. This paper outlines the potential benefits and challenges of developing dog-based programmes for older prisoners and sets out next steps for future research and practice.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on a scoping review of published research literature on prison dog programmes (PDPs) in the USA, the UK and other countries, with particular reference to older people in prison, followed by semi-structured interviews with six members of an expert advisory group. The literature review and data from the qualitative interviews were analysed thematically.
Findings
There is a substantial body of published research literature which supports PDPs as having identifiable positive impacts for people and also dogs, and also published research which highlights the benefits to older people of dog ownership or participation in dog-based activities. However, much of this research is small-scale and qualitative, and it has been argued that there is a lack of a quantitative evidence base. This research concludes that findings from the literature review and the semi-structured interviews support further research and the creation of pilot projects to develop dog-based projects for older people in prison.
Research limitations/implications
This study was small-scale, and the findings need to be approached with caution. The literature review searched a small number of databases and filtered out articles published in languages other than English, and the review of the grey literature focused on reports from the UK. The number of experts interviewed was small and there was no direct consultation with older people in prison nor with older people with recent personal lived experience of imprisonment and community resettlement. A more extensive future study would benefit from a more extensive literature review, a larger group of participants and the inclusion of service users, prison managers and government policymakers, subject to the appropriate ethical and security approvals. At the time the research took place, ongoing COVID-19 restrictions on prison research meant that research with current prisoners and prison managers would not have been approved by the HMPPS NRC.
Practical implications
This research provides a research-based justification for future dog projects for older prisoners, leading potentially to improved well-being for older people in prison.
Originality/value
This study brings together the published research literature on PDPs with the research literature on the needs and experiences of older people in prison for the first time, and identifies potential directions for future research.
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