Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: In the Pittsburgh Youth Study, information about self-reported delinquency and convictions has been collected at each age from 7 to 19 (youngest sample) and 13 to 25 (oldest sample). This information is used to address two questions: 1. What is the effect of being convicted on self-reported delinquency? Is there a labelling effect (delinquency increases) or a deterrent effect (delinquency decreases)? Does this effect hold up after controlling for key risk factors? Does this effect apply to different types of crimes? 2. What is the predictive validity of self-reported delinquency? Are unconvicted youth with high SRD more likely to be convicted in future than unconvicted youth with low SRD? Does this effect apply to different types of crimes?

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The study of why individuals do not commit violence is highly neglected even though it is a pillar on which non-violence is built in our society. This study focuses on promotive factors in the youngest and oldest samples of the Pittsburgh Youth Study, and addresses the following questions: (1) Which factors have a predominantly promotive effect? (2) Which factors have a predominantly risk effect? (3) Which factors have a mixed promotive and risk effect? (4) How do promotive and risk factors change and interact with development? The results show that many more factors operate as promotive factors than formerly thought. Promotive factors appear particularly strong during late childhood and early adolescence. Risk factors appear to have a longer reach than promotive factors. However, promotive factors moderate the impact of risk factors. Implications of the findings are discussed for criminological theory, screening instruments, and primary prevention.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The financial costs of litigation and their potential of large awards can consume scarce resources for a city and can affect a community's entire social and financial well-being. This study will explore alternative dispute resolution options.

Publication Type: Invited Paper
Abstract: On August 29, 1969, over 3000 white construction workers besieged downtown Pittsburgh defending their "right to work” in defiance of what they termed as a lockout of local construction sites. Although superficially, this action appeared to be a display of union militancy, it takes on a different cast given that for the previous five years African American workers had been struggling to overcome racial discrimination in the construction industry and the “lockout” was a product of African American protests to secure jobs. The conflict, however, was not as simple as black versus white as construction employers, through national and local business organizations, had also been attempting to circumvent union control of the construction industry throughout the late 1960s. This three-way conflict, between white workers, black workers, and construction employers resulted in the "Pittsburgh Plan," one of the first federal experiments in affirmative action. This paper explores the nature of this three-way conflict between white workers, black workers, and the local business elites and the emergence of affirmative action as compromise solution. Moreover, it explores the material and cultural basis of racism in American society.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper is intended to examine the historical use of evidence-based hot spot policing within Pittsburgh's Metropolitan Police Department. Crime mapping and problem-oriented policing have been used since the early 1990s within the jurisdictional confines of the city, and has been shown to be effectiv in reducing serious crime. The extent to which hot spot policing, as well as the methodology and operational practice, will be reviewed. These results will be compared to model agencies, identified by the Campbell Collaboration, in order to make policy and practice recommendations for further crime reduction.