crimclub

Welcome to Western Kentucky University and the official web page of the Criminology Club. It is with great pride and diligence that the Criminology Club brings you this site. Every effort will be made to provide scholars with an informative avenue into the study of Criminology based upon the discussion of research, theory, policy and practice in these fields. Several departments will be highlighted and updated on a regular basis dealing with the latest news and concerns facing students, professors, government officials and individuals involved with the upholding and practice of law. Ultimately, we hope you will come away with a better understanding of the Criminal Justice System and the study of Criminology. On behalf of the officers and members of Western Kentucky University's Criminology Club, we welcome your comments and look forward to providing you with an invaluable source of information.

David L. Murff
President 1999-2000


News, Events, Editorials, Club Activities


With the emergence of many popular television programs such as COPS, America's Scariest Police Chases, and as shown left, World's Wildest Police Videos, public sentiment is mixed as to how video crews possibly affect decisions made by officers. Many departments adhere to strict safety regulations where high speed pursuits apply. Yet some are of the opinion that with the addition of a film crew, officers may go above and beyond safety protocols in order to give the video crew something exciting to tape. This article looks at high speed pursuits, departmental policies, and the enormous interest generated by television coverage. However, it should be noted that on March 24th, 1999, the United States Supreme Court began to hear arguments concerning film crews in general, and the legality of their presence as related to these programs. Surprising to many, the majority of police officers actually welcome the coverage. Officers state that it places them in a positive light. The good guys getting the bad guys. As far as popularity goes, these shows are very popular. Recently in California, a new company has emerged offering pagers that notify their owners of current police pursuits. How many of us can truly admit that we were not a little curious as to the police pursuit of O.J. Simpson?
The chief concern should be for the safety and welfare of the general public. Lou Reiter, an international police expert who runs a consulting firm in Florida, admits that about only “1% of police pursuits end in fatalities” and “the person being pursued is the most likely to be killed. Second are innocent parties, and third are police officers.” Records have also shown that between 30-40% of high speed chases end in traffic acidents. Of these, approximately 11-32% involve injuries. In light of recent law suits and highly publicized accidents involving high speed pursuits, the majority of law enforcement departments have taken a strong stance in dealing with how far officers can go in the apprehension of fleeing individuals. The Bowling Green Police Department adheres to guidelines that are typical of most agencies. Their policy states that “Hot pursuit is justified only when the officer knows or has reasonable grounds to believe the suspect presents a clear and immediate threat to safety or other motorists, has committed or is attempting to commit a serious felony, or when the necessity of immediate apprehension outweighs the level of danger created by the hot pursuit. Hot pursuit is not justified in the case of a serious traffic violation such as DUI, unless there are extenuating circumstances.” Another major concern is what officers call “piling on”. Sue Collins, a former police officer and now attorney says; “Law enforcement is usually boring as hell. When an officer gets involved in a high speed chase, everybody wants to be a part of it.” To address this concern, Bowling Green restricts its pursuits to just two vehicles. It is specifically left up to the Field Supervisor to request more.
The bottom line is that high speed pursuits are dangerous. And in certain situations, they are completely necessary. The jury is still out on whether or not video crews add fuel to the fire. Ultimately, that decision may be left to the Supreme Court.


1999/2000 Officers Elected September 14th, 1999

President - David Murff, Vice President - Ronald Collman
Secretary/Treasurer - Brandon Knoth, Public Relations - Linda Elsey

Open Invitation for Articles!!
The Criminology Club publishes a bi-weekly newsletter "Criminology Forum" and is looking for contributors. If you have an interest, you can contact the editor at 745-2502 or you may submit your article for consideration by placing it in the club mailbox on the first floor of Grise Hall.

Weekly Club Meetings Moved Again :-)
Regular club meetings will be held at 2:00pm in Grise Hall, room 132, on Tuesdays. Sorry for the confusion.


Law Links

Findlaw: Resources on law information.
Oyez Project: Supreme Court Information - Audio Hearings - Maintained by Northwestern University.
Law School Admission Council: Information on law schools and the LSAT.
Princeton Law School Review: Candid information on law schools as well as past LSAT tests. Great Site!
American Bar Association


Crime Links

Studyweb: Search engine focusing on criminology issues. Great source of information.
Justice Information Center: National and international crime statistics and information.
National Institute of Justice: Department of Justice research agency.
Bureau of Justice Statistics
NOW and Violence against Women
American Society of Criminology: International organization promoting the study of criminology.
Organized Crime Registry: Web site focusing on organized crime throughout the world.
Federal Bureau of Investigations
Central Intelligence Agency


Misc. Links

White House
United States Senate
United States House of Representatives
Library of Congress
Western Kentucky University Homepage



Maintained by David L. Murff - 745-2502 - Comments: E-mail DMurff@hotmail.com
Last Modified: September 25, 1999