/library/oar/handle/123456789/18234 2025-12-28T19:37:03Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/55156 Title: Tip or snitch : the world of informants and police discretion Abstract: The world of informants has always attracted interest and speculation. Policing would be impossible without intelligence and so the police rely on informants to provide valuable information about the societies they seek to control. In this modern era of proactive policing, the need for guidance on managing informants and information is indispensable. Covert sources have always been protected under the secret umbrella and treated under controlled settings which significantly are created, shaped and maintained to become official hidden sources of the police. The tricky business of informant handling and management will be discussed in relation to the discretionary police powers which include issues of trust, confidentiality, secrecy and accountability. Using a number of open-ended questions which were forwarded to a number of Europol liaison officers, this research inquires the police practices in obtaining information. Manipulation and overpowering of police officers and ethical issues are also highlighted in this study. This research will also deal with how information is managed and how it is and can be utilised within the criminal justice system. In conclusion, this study generates recommendations that take into consideration the practical, legal, operational and guidelines of best practices in managing informants for Malta Police. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/19137 Title: Profiling ISIS through their propaganda Abstract: The study of my dissertation is "Profiling ISIS through their Propaganda‟. Throughout history there have been a number of terrorist groups, however, ISIS proved to be a very powerful outstanding group, recruiting people from all over the globe and performing all forms of atrocities one of which is the beheadings. These atrocities are condemned by the United Nations and even by certain terrorist groups, such as Al-Qaeda. The importance of ISIS is that it transformed the global security and intelligence system as the world faces enormous threats by ISIS. This dissertation examines the reality of ISIS and gives suggestions as to how one can restrict ISIS. Although ISIS utilizes various social media, for example twitter, for their propaganda the first eight Dabiq issues were chosen for this dissertation and three themes were evaluated in depth, taking the main issues which characterise ISIS that are: the use of propaganda and media, the use of religion and the methods of recruitment. A thematic analysis approach was chosen for this dissertation. In this way, information was collected through eight Dabiq issues, and sustained by other professional literature. The phases of this dissertation were shown together with the restrictions and strong points of this study. This study gives various suggestions to counteract ISIS, such as stopping the ISIS financial flow, disrupt the relocation of ISIS manpower and resources, aim at ISIS‟s leadership, contradict ISIS‟s social media and stabilize Iraq and Syria. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/19132 Title: Intimate femicide : risk factors for femicide in intimate partner violence Abstract: This study aims to explore the risk factors that drive a man to kill his female intimate partner (whether former or current), specifically known as ‘Intimate Femicide’ and focuses on the gender-based nature of the crime. The various signs that could predict potential aggression (which could be lethal) will be listed and compared with those mentioned in foreign literature. Women victims of intimate partner violence need to be able to recognise these red flags and seek help before it is too late. According to Leone-Ganado (2015) women are more at risk of being brutally victimized by their intimate partner and in their own homes, than by strangers. In the last five years alone, domestic homicides accounted for 25% of all murders committed on the Maltese Island (Leone-Ganado, 2015). This type of homicide is the ultimate violent act committed by a male perpetrator, whereby intimate partner violence (domestic violence) culminates into intimate femicide. In view of the gender-based killings, this study will explore the power imbalance between couples in a heterosexual relationship and issues related to gender inequality in society. Interviews were conducted with various professionals working in the Maltese islands who discussed the risk factor/s that could trigger a man to kill his female intimate partner (or ex-partner/spouse). Their views and experiences were subsequently compared and contrasted with several foreign studies. This research indicates that: controlling behaviour, jealousy, estrangement and the end of a relationship are the most common risk factors that lead to intimate femicide. It is imperative that the Courts recognize the interrelationship between domestic violence and intimate partner femicide (Buckingham, 2006, p.379). Almost all participants in this research study agreed that courtroom attitudes towards domestic violence are greatly inconsistent with the national prevention policy. Therefore, training programmes and professional support for criminal justice personnel, lawyers and the judiciary should be provided (Buckingham, 2006, p.441). A list of measures and recommendations are being presented and although some measures are already in place, they need to be constantly enforced and updated to reflect the current situation. This dissertation could serve as a catalyst for further study of this phenomenon and consequently, greater awareness that could, in turn, result in the saving of precious lives. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/19122 Title: Crime dynamics and the effectiveness of crime prevention measures in the area of Wied iz-Zurrieq Abstract: This study explores the cause of crime occurrence in the zone of Wied iz-Zurrieq. By evaluating the current crime prevention measures, the researcher puts to test the perceived goals in order to be able to establish what measures can be further implemented to improve security protocols within this area. To achieve this goal, the researcher avails herself of various techniques to merge quantitative, qualitative and spatial methodologies. To establish which crime is the most frequent, by type and time quantitative data over a span of ten years was gathered from CrimeMalta. Qualitative data was gathered through interviews with a number of establishment owners and representatives from local authorities. Purposive sampling was utilised and interviews were studied by means of thematic analysis. An On-the-Ground spatial-temporal analysis was conducted to visually map variables that could help explain crime occurrence. The researcher also assessed people aggregations and the prevention measures associated to it. The outcome of this study revealed that the hypotheses assumed by the researcher can differ, due to lack of crime prevention measures and an increase of crime occurrence throughout the summer period. The key topics which emerged through the qualitative interviews include; perception of security and safety, susceptibilities and fears, victimisation and crime classification, diminishing the risk, and lessening the risk. Through data gathered from qualitative, quantitative and visual observation it has been concluded that immediate security measures are a necessity in this location. There is also a dire need for neighbourhood watch and more cooperation between stakeholders aand authorities to improve the quality of life of the residents and of the visitors. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z