Date

5-23-2025

Department

Helms School of Government

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice (PhD)

Chair

Marlana L. Hancock

Keywords

property integrity, DNA reference sample, routine activity

Disciplines

Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

This applied multimethod study addressed the problem of property integrity issues in the state of Alabama. The central research question aimed to discover how property integrity issues could be identified and reduced within the state. The multimethod design utilized qualitative and quantitative data collection methods framed with Cohen and Felson’s (1979) routine activity theory across semi-structured interviews, content analysis of online news articles posted to the International Association for Property and Evidence’s Headline News webpage, and a survey questionnaire. Data observations revealed the problem of property integrity issues was complex. Target suitability for property items being stolen was found to be high for guns, drugs, and money. The most frequently cited property integrity issue was mishandled issues, which included cross-contamination issues. Yet, 97.5% of public service employees reported having never been asked to voluntarily submit a known DNA reference sample to help identify cross-contamination issues. Over 70% of public service employees also reported a level of misunderstanding for entering a DNA reference sample into the Combined DNA Index System. Data findings were used to recommend a state-level policy solution. This solution included providing a comprehensive Combined DNA Index System eligibility education/training module to be taught to public service employees in Alabama at the Regional Training Center.

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