School of Criminal Justice Abstracts

Presenter(s): Sean McKenna, Itzel Gutierrez Tapia, Angeliki Perrikos

Showcase Advisor: John McCluskey

Abstract: The promise and limits of A.I. review of body worn camera footage will be explored by examining the City of Rochester’s publicly available data. Specifically, we will assess the adequacy of Automatic Speech Recognition as a tool for generating a transcript of police-citizen encounters. This will document the process of that implementation as well as the current state of the research project.

Presenter(s): Mariah Suarez

Showcase Advisor: Joan Marso

Abstract: The Cold Case Analysis Center, which relocated to the University at Albany in 2024 following the closure of the College of Saint Rose, provides students with a unique opportunity to participate in the review of unsolved criminal cases. The Center collaborates with investigative agencies, prosecutors, and families to support ongoing efforts toward case resolution while offering students a hands-on, project-based learning experience.

Through an internship, students apply concepts from forensic science, law, and criminal investigation to organize and analyze case materials, identify potential persons of interest or witnesses, and contribute fresh perspectives to complex investigations. This experiential learning environment helps students develop critical thinking, research, organizational, and professional communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the real-world challenges faced by criminal justice professionals. This presentation highlights the mission of the CCAC, the role of student interns, and the educational and professional benefits of involvement in cold case analysis.

Presenter(s): Maclyn Seeger, Patrick Connelly, Joseph Perry, Kloe Azzi, Quentin Santercole

Showcase Advisor: David Hureau

Abstract: This poster session will present preliminary findings regarding the links between neighborhood-level social inequality and the incidence of violence in Albany, NY. Making use of publicly available data, including crime incidents, abandoned properties, and citizen calls for service, undergraduate researchers recently trained in social scientific methods (especially GIS and statistical analysis) will present policy-relevant summaries of their research into patterns of inequality and violence in the city of Albany.

Presenter(s): Gabrielle Pottinger

Showcase Advisor: Stacey Zyskowski

Abstract: The purpose of workforce development is to align individual skills with employer needs, driving economic growth by preparing people for jobs, ensuring businesses have talent, and fostering long-term career advancement through training, education, and support, ultimately creating a resilient, skilled, and adaptable workforce for a stronger economy. It bridges the gap between job seekers and employers, focusing on both immediate job readiness and sustainable career paths.

Presenter(s): Lillian Chapman, Jasmeet Kaur, Victoria Pincus, Roseanna Deiulio

Showcase Advisor: Alissa Worden

Abstract: New York Town Courts are funded in part through the fines and fees they use as sanctions for misdemeanor charges. At Showcase last year we tested the hypothesis that the fiscal health of towns is related to use of fines, using aggregate data on town tax revenue, data from the NY Comptroller on aggregate fines and fees imposed, and population. This project improves and expands that analysis by using more precise measures of fines and fees and case level data from the NY Office of Court Administration. This extension better reflects actual practices and judicial decisions across disparate jurisdictions.

Presenter(s): Hipolita Oliva, Izaria Dicks, Nyla Pinnock

Showcase Advisor: John McCluskey

Abstract: A brief history of police accountability will be outlined. Next, we will draw on contemporary technological advancements including body-worn cameras and A.I. as possible tools to establish accountability. The strengths, weaknesses and challenges of this approach will be explored as motivations for deploying A.I. as a solution.

Presenter(s): Hipolita Oliva, Liliana Futia, Anna Inzerillo

Showcase Advisor: Andrea Kordzek

Abstract: Our survey examines public opinion on the death penalty and focuses specifically on how political party affiliation influences people’s views. The goal of the survey is to better understand whether individuals who identify as Republican, Democrat, Independent, or another political affiliation differ in their level of support or opposition to capital punishment. Participants are asked about their political identification as the independent variable, and then respond to questions measuring their stance on the death penalty, including whether they support it, oppose it, or believe it should be limited in certain cases.  By comparing answers from different political groups, we can see if there are clear differences in opinions. This helps us understand if political beliefs affect how people feel about the death penalty. Overall, this project shows how politics can shape people’s views on the major criminal justice issue of the death penalty.

Presenter(s): Alex Emmanuel, Georgianna Bamberger

Showcase Advisor: Jacob Montgomery

Abstract: the source book was an archive of criminology and criminal justice data that was collected by Michael Hindelang. the book was a singular, easy to access database to find valuable and relevant information for criminal statistics. since its discontinuation, criminal justice statistics are now being gathered by various private and government entities with varying levels of accuracy and ease of access. this presentation is meant to highlight the importance of an accurate database for criminal justice statistics as well as explaining said data and providing information such as defenitions, sources, research and more

Presenter(s): Fantoumata doucoure, Antonio lombardo, Karina B Bhagroo

Showcase Advisor: John McCluskey

Abstract: This poster will focus on the city of Rochester and provide an overview of important information related to the community and local policing. It will include basic data about the city such as population, crime patterns, and crime trends over time. The poster will also highlight the role of the Rochester Police Department and how it works to address public safety. In addition, it will discuss Rochester’s social history and key moments that have influenced policing in the city. Finally, the poster will explain the motivation behind the adoption of body-worn cameras and how this technology is used to promote transparency and accountability in policing.

Presenter(s): Gabriella Federighi

Showcase Advisor: Camela Hughes

Abstract: The growth of true crime content on YouTube has transformed crime reporting from an institutional process into “monetized storytelling”. Independent creators are now positioning themselves as investigators or journalists. However, compared to traditional journalists and licensed investigators, the ethical frameworks guiding their work remain inconsistent and unregulated. There is a large gap in research that has yet to properly address the continuous growth and attention this content gains. Consequently, this content has blurred the lines between education/awareness and entertainment.  
This project examines how true crime creators on YouTube navigate ethical boundaries when producing content for their large audiences. Using content analysis, videos are reviewed, then coded for practices associated with journalistic ethics and common investigatory/legal protocol. By documenting these patterns, this study explores the level of ethical responsibility/accountability content creators hold as independent journalists and the current dilemma of commodifying real criminal cases.