Criminality and Homeless Men: An Empirical Assessment

Reducing the incarceration of the homeless : an examination of multi-service use and the utilization of institutional services.

“…Prior research indicates there are a disproportionate number of homeless individuals as compared to their domiciled counterparts within the correctional system (Fitzpatrick & Myrstol, 2011;Greenberg & Rosenheck, 2008;Perez et aI., 2003;Snow, Baker, & Anderson, 1989). Previous research has attempted to examine the factors associated with the rising number of homelessness found in the correctional system, but have found mixed results (Fitzpatrick & Myrstol, 2011;Greenberg & Rosenheck, 2008;Perez et aI., 2003, Snow et aI., 1989.…”

Bum hunters : the simulations and neutralizations of negative actions taken against the homeless on YouTube.

“…While the homeless do have an overall higher arrest rate, the causes of arrest are typically non-violent and are a result of their homeless status (Snow, Baker, & Anderson, 1989). The types of offenses that the homeless are most commonly charged with are public intoxication, theft, violation of city ordinances, and burglary (Bauman, et aI., 1985;Robertson, et aI., 1985;Snow, et aI., 1989).…”

“…For example, if a homeless individual wants to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, they are usually unable to do so in a way that a person who is housed can. According to Snow (1989) and colleagues, nearly 50 percent of the arrests for all homeless persons in Austin, Texas during the time of their study were for public intoxication. Homeless individuals are typically unable to be able to afford a drink in a bar and are unable to drink in private because of their lack of housing (Snow, et ai., 1989).…”

“…Disorder then makes residents fearful, which in return weakens social controls because individuals avoid one another and stay behind locked doors (Wilson & Kelling, 1982). Through this type of policing, the police and others who seek to maintain order place close watch over the homeless, which then increases the likelihood of arrest and criminalization (Barak & Bohm, 1989;Snow, Baker, & Anderson, 1989).…”

“…"Homeless persons embody the social fear of privileged consumers, fear for their families, for their children, fear that 'those' people will harm them and therefore must be placed as far away as possible from safe neighborhoods" (Wright, 2000: 27). Because of this societal viewpoint, the homeless are viewed and stigmatized in the this way; the police and others who seek to maintain order place close watch over the homeless which then increases the likelihood of arrest and criminalization (Barak & Bohm, 1989;Snow, Baker, & Anderson, 1989). …”