Local law enforcement terrorism prevention efforts: A state level case study

Although law enforcement agencies across the nation have assumed part of the responsibility in the fight against terrorism, significant confusion exists as to the role of local law enforcement. While some agencies have taken steps towards terrorism prevention, little data has been collected on which agencies have taken the greatest steps, how those agencies have changed, and how other agencies should direct their activity. This case study of law enforcement census data from a single state considered variations in terrorism preparedness and predictors of preparedness. Agency size, presence of funding, and other variables significantly predict levels of terrorism preparedness. Important policy implications such as the distribution of funding and which agencies should be working towards terrorism preparedness are discussed.     

A Survey: Children’s Rights Post Termination of Parental Rights and Pre-Adoption

This survey of the statutory provisions and case law of all 50 states and the District of Columbia includes the rights of children to parental support, inheritance, and familial association remaining upon termination of parental rights. A majority of states terminate all the child’s rights at the time parental rights are severed. However, a number of states by explicit statutes or statutory construction have determined that a child’s rights to parental support survives termination of parental rights. This survey examines the prevailing law in each state and suggests statutory reforms to protect the legal status and rights of children.     

The relationship between malingerers' intelligence and MMPI-2 knowledge and their ability to avoid detection

One of the most frequently administered psychometrics is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2). Occasionally, those participants taking the MMPI-2 will malinger or exaggerate their symptoms. Several malingering detection devices are available, and a significant body of literature exists concerning their efficacy. However, little research is available considering those factors that facilitate successfully evading detection as a malingerer. Some of these studies have identified general intelligence and knowledge of the MMPI-2 as key variables in the likelihood of escaping detection as a malingerer. The extant research considered the utility of general intelligence and knowledge of the MMPI-2 as predictors in avoiding detection as a malingerer. To detect malingering, the two traditional detection devices were employed: the F-Scale and the F - K Index. Results indicate that intelligence and MMPI-2 knowledge contribute significantly to the likelihood of successfully escaping detection as a malingerer.