And even though the riders were pushing a message of peace, police said they broke the law. “There’s less chance of being stopped, less chance of being caught and punished if you’re with a large group that overwhelms the capacity of law enforcement to intervene,” sociologist Jeffrey Butts said. The group ride trend has become, at times, menacing, resulting in confrontations with police officers and other drivers. Continue reading CBS News—“Bikes up, guns down”
Criminologist Jeffrey Butts argues that Rogers’ ability to remain composed likely diminished any concern. … “We try to protect civil liberties; we try to protect the freedoms we all enjoy while also creating a safety net or buffer for people who are in serious trouble, and we’re just not very good at it.” Continue reading CBS This Morning—Santa Barbara Shootings
Criminologist Jeffrey Butts says the system is flawed. “The problem is that law enforcement people should not be asked to do that — to screen people and to assess whether they pose a threat to themselves or others. That should be done by a clinician of some kind.” Continue reading CBS News—Missed Warning Signs in Santa Barbara
November 26, 2013 – 7:00 a.m. (CST) A growing number of stories involving teens punching random people, knocking them unconscious, are being reported across the country. Joy Cardin’s guest criminologist discusses the “Knockout Game,” why he says the media is reacting “hysterically” to the matter, and what can be done about it. Continue reading Wisconsin Public Radio—”Knockout Game” and Media Responsibility
JeffreyButts.net 