Newswise — The unpredictable and pervasive threat of mass shootings can affect anyone, anywhere. Interrupting the planning and execution process for mass shootings is a matter of public safety. But the public's willingness to “see something” and “say something,” especially when loved ones and friends are involved, informs the criminal justice system that it will handle the situation effectively and fairly. It depends on whether the person believes it or not.
Alerting authorities to a potential threat is often caused by the actions of people who are personally connected to the mass shooter, such as family, friends, teachers or co-workers, but who do not want to be perceived as truly dangerous. A lot depends on whether you report on it or not. . It is essential to understand public opinion regarding mass shooters, especially their mental health.
In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers at Florida Atlantic University's School of Social Work and Criminal Justice surveyed 247 participants who completed an online “opt-in” survey that reflected the demographics of the United States. analyzed. Researchers found that the age and mental health of offenders play a role in shaping public opinion about how defendants in such cases should be treated through “balanced justice,” which includes punishment, rehabilitation, or both. The relative roles of conditions were assessed. This study is the first to evaluate the principle of balanced justice.
The results, published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, show that both balanced justice and rehabilitative approaches compare to punishment for both juveniles and adults, with and without mental illness, who plan mass shootings. This shows great support from the public.
Almost 57% of respondents supported a balanced justice approach that punishes mentally ill juveniles who plan mass shootings, compared to juveniles who plan mass shootings without mental illness. 61.7% of people supported an approach that emphasizes punishment. Similarly, for adult offenders, 56.2% of respondents supported balanced justice for those with mental illness, and 65.3% supported punishment for those without mental illness.
“Gun mass shootings are among the most prominent and extreme crimes in modern American society, and they provoke strong opinions even about the perpetrators of mass shootings,” said Lincoln, senior author and associate professor in FAU's Department of Criminology. Dr. Sloth said. and criminal justice. “While the public has increased support for punishment in recent years, our research shows that the public is more open to rehabilitation when given the option.”
In addition to assessing public support for balanced justice, this study measured how respondents' underlying beliefs about treatment and reform related to sanctions preferences. Respondents who believed that offenders deserved more treatment were more supportive of rehabilitation and balanced justice approaches rather than punishment alone, regardless of the offender's age or mental health status. Additionally, respondents who believed current treatments were effective were less supportive of punishment-only approaches.
Further elaboration on sanction preferences suggests that if the public believes that people with or without mental illness are eligible for treatment services, the balance will be lower for both juvenile and adult mass shooters. “They will be more likely to support the application of justice that has been obtained,” said co-author Dr. Gabriel Cesar, assistant professor in the FAU School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. “These findings may further explore the dimensions of deservingness, the possibility of redemption, and 'mental health' in the context of mass shootings.”
History shows that not all mass shooters plan mass shootings, but they often exhibit behavior that suggests they are.
“The path to violence is often revealed in hindsight, but it's very difficult to predict in advance,” Sloth says.
Importantly, people who witness such acts may be reluctant to report concerns to authorities, especially if they distrust the police or are unsure how the criminal justice system will respond to their reports. This means that it is often the case.
“The public may be more likely to report behavioral problems if they believe that a loved one who may be planning a mass shooting will receive appropriate treatment and rehabilitation,” Sloth said. . “Public opinion can thus influence an individual's willingness to 'say something' to law enforcement when they 'see something.'
Other findings related to respondent demographics indicate that members of the public who identify as not religious are more likely to support rehabilitation over punishment. Additionally, White respondents are less likely to support rehabilitation over punishment than non-White respondents, and in some analyses, older respondents may be more likely than younger respondents to support rehabilitation over punishment. sex was low.
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About Florida Atlantic University: Florida Atlantic University was founded in 1961 and officially opened in 1964 as Florida's fifth public university. Currently, the university hosts more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students at its six campuses along the southeast Florida coast. In recent years, the university has doubled its research spending and surpassed its peers in student achievement. FAU embodies an innovative model that closes traditional achievement gaps through the coexistence of access and excellence. FAU is designated as a Hispanic-serving institution and is recognized as a top public university by U.S. News & World Report and as an institution with high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Education. For more information, please visit www.fau.edu.
