Book Review: Neustein, A., & Lesher, M. (2005). From Madness to Mutiny: Why Mothers Are Running From Family Courts—And What Can Be Done About It. Boston: University Press of New England. pp. 316

• Author: Mo Therese Hannah
• Published date: 01 March 2008
• Date: 01 March 2008
• DOI: 10.1177/0734016808315256
• Subject Matter: Articles

to locations, including specific strategies for using “problem oriented approaches” to

enhance criminal investigations. The subsequent chapter reinforces this with Rossmo’s

detailed exposition on the problem-solving capacity of geographic profiling. Finally, in his

article, “Problem Solving and Terrorism Vulnerability,” Poole’s discussion of cost-neutral

domestic security strategies is insightful and invaluable, particularly given law enforce-

ment’s constantly expanding role in homeland security.

The book concludes with a fifth, one-chapter section that quite logically considers the

problem-solving approach in the “Twenty First Century.” Ikeda’s article offers a thoughtful

analysis of not only the advantages but also the limitations of the problem-solving

approach, discussing challenges to its acceptance and sustainability.

Throughout the book, charts and tables are user-friendly and geared for quick reference.

All materials are useful for law enforcement professionals, as well as those who are assessing

related social problems. Most of the book is strongly organized, although it would have been

beneficial to have an introduction to each section, perhaps clarifying general issues and terms

in each area.

One particular aspect of police problem solving warrants further development: crimes

that involve specific victim characteristics, including but not limited to age, race, ethnicity,

gender, and sexual orientation. The work focuses more on traditional “crime problems.”

There is no extensive discussion of police problem solving and its efficacy in terms of hate

crimes based on religion or violence directed against gays and lesbians. In addition, it might

have been useful to examine police problem solving and its application to child abuse or

domestic violence. Are there any efforts involving law enforcement and community partners

that apply police problem-solving methods? It is essential to note that demographic factors

are not overlooked. Many chapters mention them, as exemplified by the discussion of

demographics in Scott’s chapter on disorderly youth. However, this book leaves the issue

unfinished—perhaps warranting a second volume on “Police Problem Solving and Specific

Populations.” Perhaps, it is a mark of its strengths that it leaves the reader wanting more.

This book recommends and explains an effective and useful law enforcement “best practice”

which deserves greater consideration and usage. In turn, with its expert editing, writing,

fine research, and overall quality, this work also offers cross-disciplinary value. Police

Problem Solving is ultimately an excellent example of the intersection between academic

research, public organizations, and the social good.

Jorja Leap

University of California, Los Angeles

Neustein, A., & Lesher, M. (2005). From Madness to Mutiny: Why

Mothers Are Running From Family Courts—And What Can Be Done

About It. Boston: University Press of New England. pp. 316.

DOI: 10.1177/0734016808315256

The last few decades of the 20th century witnessed a flurry of awareness campaigns,

legal reforms, and interventions designed to combat domestic abuse. Prior to that period, a

118 Criminal Justice Review