Dr. Crime is a pseudonym for a social scientist holding a Ph.D. degree in sociology and in criminology. He has worked in all major parts of the criminal justice system. Drop him a note at the website www.keepkidshome.net If you or your child is in trouble, he may be able to help. Give him a call (252-339-0000).
Dear Dr. Crime: I work with patients who get prescriptions legally, but I want to know more about what is happening with Opioids. Please help. Nurse Jane.
Dear Nurse Jane: Yes, we have addressed this before, but the deaths and drug cost are of such importance let us comment. Journalist’s Resourcesat Harvard University cites research showing a massive amount of blame involves the professionals involved. It is not all research cost. Yale reports over 70,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2018. About one-hundred thirty people die per day from an opioid-related drug overdose.
Dear Dr. Crime: You have helped old people before, so please help me. My granddaddy, who is very old, is a victim of abuse by his caretakers, who are not family members. I have not seen it happen and granddaddy won’t talk to me about it. What do I do? Angel
Dear Angel: If he is in danger now, go directly to the police and tell them all you know. If you have some time, talk to Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1115 or https://eldercare.acl.gov. Keep good records of what you see. For more details of how to watch for abuse go to your public library and borrow Vol. 38, #3, March 2020 of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. Of great importance, talk with your pastor. God bless you, Angel.
Dear Dr. Crime. I want to brag to you that I outsmarted my daughter’s boyfriend who has stolen a bunch of stuff from us. I am afraid to confront him, so I got my valuables safely in my bank’s safe-deposit box. Ha Ha Ha. Older Widow.
Dear Madam: Good move, but there is more you should do. Bottom Line Personal, Vol. 40 #21, Nov. 2019 reports that safe deposit box loses are not unusual, for several reasons. They urge box users get the Safe-Deposit Box insurance and check the box at least once a year. Make sure your trusted family members know of the box.
Dear Dr. Crime: Why do so many people drive and text on their phones? Mad as XXXX.
Dear Mad Driver: I agree and get mad along with you when I see drivers not paying attention to their driving. Bottom Line Personal cited above discusses research showing 35% of drivers think texting while driving is legal !!! It is illegal in all but two states.
Dear Dr. Crime: I use email a lot. How do I protect myself from the many crooks out there on the internet? Business Man.
Dear Man: Your problem is shared by many people. Check with your community college and see if they have a course around computer & internet safety. Also search the net for such training. You can get a one-time use, disposable email address at MailDrop.cc. A column in The Virginian-Pilot (2/2/20, page4) titled “Thwarting identity thieves” by Elliot Raphaelson is superb. See that first. Let me know how it goes.
Dear Dr. Crime: Are our public schools helping to hold down delinquency? Mrs. S.
Dear Ms. S. : The American Journal of Criminal Justice, Vol.44 #5, 10/19 reports on good research on the effects of the State ban on guns with kids 18 to 20, compared with a similar Federal 1968 ban on similar kids. They looked at murder, robbery and assault and found no impact. That journal reported research comparing “get tough and punish” school policies with “support” programs aimed at reasons why the kids got in trouble. Both worked and the final idea is to use them at the same time, together. But we know little about linking such programs. To answer your question, yes, many public schools have programs in place to reduce “problems”, but we need more research to show us how to run the programs.
Also, if your child is a “youthful offender” and- or having problems, Dr. Crime can offer confidential suggestions on how to work with the criminal justice system. Or, a formal criminological report for a court or other authority may help. For more information see www.keepkidshome.net or email drcrime@keepkidshome.net
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