Modeling individuals' behavior: Evaluation of a policymaker's tool

With a continuous decline in the cost of manipulating data and a continuous increase in the richness of data banks, policymakers have increasing opportunities to build and apply so-called microsimulation models—models that attempt to simulate the behavior of the individuals in a large population under a specified program. The efforts of the Department of Labor to use a model in evaluating proposed changes in the unemployment insurance system point up both the power and the weaknesses of such models. Any user who applies these models without attempting to understand which of their strengths and weaknesses are most important for analyzing the problem at hand is asking for trouble. Easy to use or not, these models are not user-friendly.     

Sir Eric Phipps, the British Government, and the Appeasement of Germany, 1933-1937

This article argues that Sir Eric Phipps' reputation as an “anti-appeaser” of Germany during his Berlin embassy 1933-1937 is not accurate. While Phipps was not in favor of placating Hitler by making territorial concessions, he had much in common with those who had sought a rapprochement with Germany in the 1920s through a policy of inclusion and reconciliation. Particular importance is placed on Phipps' attitude towards the League of Nations, with detailed consideration also being accorded to his relationship with the British Foreign Secretaries and Foreign Office officials of the period, as well as his views on the Entente Cordiale.     

Bothered by Bovemij?

A trade mark which is not inherently distinctive must acquiredistinctive character throughout a member state to be registered;where a member state (or the Benelux) is divided linguisticallyand a mark lacks distinctiveness in one language, but not another,it is only necessary to show sufficient distinctiveness in thelinguistic area where it is not distinctive.     

Police uniform color and citizen impression formation

Clothing color and style are significant factors in impression formation in first-time dealings with strangers. Four common police uniform color schemes are evaluated for their influence on seven scales of impression formation with a sample of 737 citizens in a Midwestern city. Consistent with the previous literature, the all black color scheme was viewed most negatively on six of the seven scales. The light blue shirt and navy blue pants color scheme created the most positive impression on all seven scales. The implications of these findings for police-community relations and department uniform selection are discussed. Author Note: Richard R. Johnson is a doctoral candidate in criminal justice at the University of Cincinnati and a former police officer. He holds a B.S. in criminal justice from Indiana University and an M.S. in criminology from Indiana State University. Communications may be sent to 20 Ridge Dr., #208, Fairfield, OH 45014     

Brisbane and Federation: A Review Article

Our Federation: Brisbane Heritage Trail 1901. Edited by Rod Fisher et al.
Our Federation: Brisbane: Patriotism, Passion and Protest 1901. Edited by Barry Shaw
Our Federation: Brisbane through the News 1901. Edited by Katherine McConnel     

Two factors in development of work release: size and location of prisons

Among the important recent trends in corrections is the remarkable spread of work release among the state prison systems. Forty-one states have authorized such a program. This development is assessed in terms of two of the factors affecting the potentiality of work release—the number of prison units and their geographical location relative to the state's job market. The highest work-release participation rate was recorded in 1971 by those prison systems with many units well distributed about their respective state. The lowest rate was that of the systems with a large share of total inmates concentrated in giant or large prisons. The various housing strategies are defined; the use of several community centers is found to be associated with the highest work-release participation for each type of prison system. Prospects for further expansion of work release are discussed.