Graduation Semester and Year

2008

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Department

Criminology and Criminal Justice

First Advisor

Alejandro del Carmen

Abstract

The role of law enforcement in the United States has evolved such that police officers are expected to be problem solvers as well as crime fighters. To that extent, the author begins this study as a broad examination of a social problem that plagues the United States on a day to day basis and ultimately focuses more specifically on social problems locally. It is understood that alcohol-related offenses are the leading cause of negligent deaths in the United States but the problem goes deeper than most realize. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine undergraduate students' perceptions of harmful alcohol consumption as a social problem and specifically its relationship with crime. Research indicates that alcohol misuse costs taxpayers billions of dollars each year, yet alcohol consumption is a social norm. The prediction is that by addressing problems associated with alcohol consumption, law enforcement can have an impact on social problems pervasively related to harmful alcohol consumption. These problems may include alcohol-related deaths due to motor vehicle collisions, homicide and other violent crimes, family violence, and underage drinking.

Disciplines

Criminology and Criminal Justice | Legal Studies | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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