Award Date

5-2014

Degree Type

Honors Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Criminal Justice

Advisor 1

Tamara Madensen

Advisor 2

Melissa Rorie

Advisor 3

Andrew Hanson

Number of Pages

69

Abstract

Embezzlement is a highly disruptive crime that comes with a large negative societal impact. This study was a secondary data analysis of embezzlement data from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for the years 2012-2013. Clearance rates were calculated and analyzed for general fraud related calls for service and for embezzlement cases specifically in order to determine what clearance rates were for the Las Vegas Valley and see if they are comparable to the national average. Data was analyzed within pie and bar charts to determine if the LVMPD is effectively solving embezzlement cases and see if cases with particular characteristics are more likely to be solved, and theoretically deterred by the police.

The main findings were that the police have achieved higher clearance rates for misdemeanor cases when compared to felony cases. Additionally, the police have achieved the highest clearance rates for embezzlement cases taking place within the context of a retail business/grocery when compared to cases taking place in offices, monetary establishments, and restaurant/bars. Embezzlement cases taking place within the context of offices had the lowest clearance rates associated with them, and theoretically had the least deterrent effect. The number of fraud-related calls for service from 2006-2013 suggest a link to the economic recession with a peak in 2008. Stable clearance rates for general fraud from 2006 to 2013 coupled with a sizable decrease in 2008 suggests that these financial crimes are not an area of emphasis during recessions. Policy implications are suggested and areas of future research are recommended.

Keywords

Criminal investigation; Embezzlement; Fraud; Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; Nevada – Las Vegas

Disciplines

Criminology and Criminal Justice | Law | Legal Studies

Language

English

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