Media Relations
University of South Florida
Polytechnic
3433 Winter Lake Road
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 667-7077
Fax (863) 667-7097
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Contact:
Tom Hagerty
(863)
667-7077
Dr. Kim Lersch
LAKELAND,
FL (May 20, 2008) - While working on the second edition of her book "Space, Time and Crime," Dr. Kim Lersch was surprised to learn exposure to environmental hazards has a significant effect on crime.
Lersch, a professor of criminology and interim assistant vice president, academic and student affairs, at the University of South Florida Lakeland, says exposure to lead, for example, causes irreversible brain damage that leads to various behavioral problems, including impulsive behavior, poor school performance, memory problems, violence and aggression.
"Research shows a positive relationship between air lead concentration and the occurrence of homicides and other violent crimes and property crimes," says Lersch.
That has critical implications for criminologists and law enforcement officials.
"Can a crime prevention policy based on the assumption of a rational offender have any effect if many of a community's residents suffer from a condition that causes impulsive, aggressive behavior? Probably not," says Lersch. "Without addressing the underlying conditions, even the best policy will be ineffective."
Unfortunately, says Lersch, very few criminologists study the link between exposure to environmental contaminants and crime. She hopes her book will help raise awareness of the issue.
"Clearly this is an area of great importance with implications for any crime control policies that our society chooses to enact. I hope the text helps to sharpen critical thinking skills regarding crime, criminals and public policy"
Published in 2007, the second edition of "Space, Time, and Crime" updates the material and provides an overview of the various theoretical explanations, crime control policies, and practical investigative tools used to identify high crime places, spaces, and times. Lersch provides real world examples as well as illustrations from previously published research. The book includes sections on a number of the more exciting and controversial issues facing criminal justice today. Additionally, extensive sections that address temporal aspects of criminal events, including the concept of time geography, have been added.
"Dr. Lersch continues to make significant contributions in teaching, scholarship and service," said Judith Ponticell, Ph.D., senior associate vice president, USF Lakeland. "She demonstrates our commitment to academic excellence and applied research and learning."
Professor Kim Lersch received a B.A. from USF St. Petersburg and earned an M.A. and a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Florida. She started her teaching career at the University of West Florida and joined USF in 1997 as an assistant professor at USF St. Petersburg. In 2001 she moved to the Tampa campus, received tenure and was promoted to associate professor. She joined the USF Lakeland faculty in 2005 and was promoted to professor in 2007.
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