https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/77209 2026-04-05T07:56:07Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/77503 Title: The rise of synthetic drugs : their impact on today’s juveniles and future generations Abstract: Synthetic drugs, also referred to as new psychoactive substances or designer drugs, are mixtures of substances meant to mimic traditional drugs such as cannabis and cocaine. There are various classes of these designer drugs, but the most common are synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones. These drugs are most of the time more dangerous than natural drugs and may leave permanent negative psychological, social and physical side effects. A major difficulty faced by policymakers and health officials is that in recent years the number of NPS has been on a steep rise, therefore by the time that a NPS is included in the list of illicit substances, there are already many more others available on the streets. Due to the low cost of these substances when compared to natural drugs, a number of users are opting to consume these NPS, which may sometimes be fatal. Users sometimes opt to go for these types of drugs due to them being legal. Governments need to start looking at new options as to how to address this problem. Legalisation of cannabis for recreational use is an option which most of the questionnaire respondents agreed upon. However, such amendments to the law need to be carefully studied in order to have a better picture of the possible repercussions of such changes. Educating the population about the dangers of these drugs is a must since many are unaware of the consequences that these may leave not only on the users, but also on those around them. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/77441 Title: The lived experiences of professionals working with child sex offenders : a phenomenological study Abstract: This study aimed at understanding the lived experiences of professionals who work with child sex offenders. To achieve this aim, the following objectives were devised: 1) to understand the phenomenon of child abuse; 2) to explore the meanings that professionals place on their experiences of working with child sex offenders and; 3) to explore the professionals’ views about the lived experiences of child sex offenders both in and out of prison. The qualitative research approach was deemed to be most appropriate to answer the research question. Data was generated using a self-designed, semi-structured interview schedule. A one-time, face-to-face in-depth interview was conducted with eight purposively selected professionals who work directly with child sex offenders. Interviews were audio-recorded for transcription purposes with the participants’ consent. All ethical considerations were duly adhered to. Vicarious traumatisation theory and the phases of impact theory were used as theoretical frameworks to guide this research. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used during the data collection and data analysis phases. Findings from this study highlighted the lived experiences of professionals working with child sex offenders. The findings of this study elicited four super-ordinate themes which included the ‘challenge accepted’ to work with child sex offenders, ‘too much on the plate’ while highlighting the stresses involved while working with these offenders, ‘beat the game’ which presented the positive attributes of doing this work and ‘from the inside looking in’ where participants were allowed to reflect on the current situation of these offenders’ experiences in prison whilst proposing ways forward. The results of this study revealed that although professionals receive various forms of support, it is not enough as their work is generally stressful. Participants identified the need to increase their training opportunities as well as to enhance the networks between the various groups of professionals that work with child sex offenders. Therefore, it is being recommended that training increases and multi-disciplinary networks are enhanced. This study also identified the need to improve policy related to child sex offenders. Their life in prison can be improved by decreasing the fear of violence. Finally, introducing rehabilitative programs specifically tailored for child sex offenders is favourable for them and ultimately for society at large as it reduces re-offending. Given the limited number of research studies available on this topic, it is recommended that more research is conducted in this regard. Description: M.A.CRIMINOLOGY 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/77398 Title: A qualitative study focusing on the professional perspective in relation to the psycho-social factors leading youngsters raised in out-of-home care residences to deviant behaviour Abstract: This qualitative research explores the lived experience of twelve professionals working within the Department of Parole and Probation, Aġenzija Appoġġ, and the Directorate for Educational Services. Even though the professionals work within different departments and practise different professions, their line of work puts them as front liners with minors at risk of deviant behaviour. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of semi-structured interviews generated four super-ordinate themes which explored the reality of delinquency amongst youngsters raised in out-of-home care residences through the perceptions of professionals working as front liners with these youngsters. In relation to criminology, results highlight the psychosocial factors present from conception till young adulthood, which led such youngsters to perpetrate delinquencies. Furthermore, this research factors in possible solutions, in order to be able to improve identified lacunae in the services supporting these individuals until they become adults. The identification of these factors suggests the need to effect legislative changes; and to inform policy makers especially at a local level. Recommendations for further research were also proposed. Description: M.A.CRIMINOLOGY 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/77394 Title: Crossing the line? : intelligence gathering, investigation and the media Abstract: This study is aimed at being a contribution towards an improved understanding of the challenges and the limitations faced by media houses, intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies when it comes to creating a dialogue between the relevant stakeholders. Despite a generic willingness to improve communications between the various parties, the divide between media houses, law enforcement and intelligence agencies was remarkably evident through the desk based research carried out. In addition, a number of national stakeholders still acknowledge the existence of an “us” and “them” situation. With the ever increasing technological improvements and resulting ease of access to information, the way the audience reacts to news reports has also changed, inadvertently creating a much faster paced environment in which media houses need to operate and keep up. In addition to the increased pace in which journalists are expected to operate, obligations need to be honored and, in line with the canons of good journalism, the media is expected to ensure that reports are factual, correct and a true reflection of the events being reported. This study addresses this aspect by using the theoretical frameworks of social responsibility and agenda setting. Other aspects are also addressed in this study such as the handling of leaked information, safeguarding oneself against a third party’s hidden agendas, legal parameters and obligations on the different parties, and ways in which collaboration or an improvement thereof may prove beneficial to the relevant stakeholders. Although various research studies have been carried out focusing on the media in conjunction with various aspects of the judicial system, this study takes a unique approach which focuses on the possible collaboration between the respective stakeholders including domestic intelligence agencies. This study uses a qualitative approach by means of interviews with participants from different agencies and media houses in Malta. By comparing the results from these interviews to the information obtained through desk based research, the study concludes with a series of findings and recommendations. These are intended to guide stakeholders towards a better understanding of one another’s limitations as well as proposals put forward by participants themselves on ways to improve the existing dialogue between the different stakeholders. It is pertinent to note that on completion of this study it was evident to the researcher that stakeholders in Malta would in fact welcome an improved dialogue amongst themselves. It was also evident that while strict legal frameworks are commonly cited as the reason for not engaging in such dialogue, the main hindrance to achieving this is more likely to be a sense of hesitation in embracing this new concept given that it does not conform with the traditional manner in which intelligence and law enforcement agencies have operated in the past. Other findings emanating from the study include the desire to have a standardised approach to journalism which includes the implementation of a common and universal code of ethics and well as changes to the current framework surrounding libel suits to curb third parties opening libel suits frivolously. Description: M.A.CRIMINOLOGY 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z