Within the Department of Criminology and Forensic Science, the Student Research Group of Criminology “Vestigium” has been operating since June 2004.

Supervisor: Prof. Wiesław Pływaczewski, LL.D., Ph.D. (Habil.)
Coordinator for the Group: Assoc. Prof. Monika Kotowska, LL.D., Ph.D. (Habil.)

Board Members

President:
Michał Arsoba – michal.arsoba@student.uwm.edu.pl

Vice President:
Karina Zimna – karina.zimna@student.uwm.edu.pl

Board Members-at-Large:
Aleksandra Świtalska – aleksandra.switalska@student.uwm.edu.pl
Alicja Śmigielska – alicja.smigielska@student.uwm.edu.pl
Ewelina Szewczak – ewelina.szewczak@student.uwm.edu.pl

General e-mail: sknkvestigium@wp.pl

Facebook: Student Research Group of Criminology “Vestigium” UWM

We warmly invite everyone interested in criminology to join us — we’re waiting for you! :)

Archive of Activities — SRGC “Vestigium”

International Scientific Conference “Contemporary Issues of Criminology”, Szczytno, 9 May 2017

On 9 May 2017, an international scientific conference on contemporary criminological issues was held at the Police Academy in Szczytno. Thanks to cooperation between the Police Academy and the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn with the University of Limpopo (South Africa) and the University of Nebraska (USA), students from Warmia and Mazury had a unique opportunity to present their reflections on current criminological phenomena and to engage in discussion with foreign guests.

The first session featured Prof. Chris Eskridge from the University of Nebraska and Prof. Cornelis Johannes Roelofse together with his students from the University of Limpopo. Prof. Eskridge— a former police officer, now a lecturer at the University of Nebraska and Executive Director of the American Society of Criminology—delivered a paper on organized crime using the example of motorcycle gangs in the United States, commonly known as the Hells Angels. Although the Hells Angels may appear to be merely a motorcycle club, Prof. Eskridge emphasized that they constitute a vast mafia-type criminal organization engaged, among other things, in the distribution of drugs and firearms. Distinguishing various gangs known from American films, he stressed that organized crime in the form of motorcycle gangs is no longer solely an American problem.

Next, representatives of the University of Limpopo spoke. Prof. Cornelis Johannes Roelofse presented on organized vehicle theft—a major and serious problem in South Africa. Modern organized crime, aided by new technologies, is often very difficult to detect. It is a multi-stage process: choosing a method of taking the vehicle, the actual theft, subsequent “legalization” of the vehicle, and its later sale. He concluded that the main challenge for law enforcement in this area is locating the stolen vehicle which, once “legalized,” effectively “disappears in the system.”

Doctoral candidates and students then delivered papers: Mgr Lekgau Khomotjo and Cristopher Gumbi. The first presentation discussed the issue of unlawfully issuing licenses to taverns and bars selling alcohol in Limpopo, resulting in overly broad access to alcohol. The second speaker addressed the terrifying phenomenon of attacks on farming communities. These attacks, often fatal, are frequently preceded by rape and cruel torture. The paper indicated that perpetrators, to avoid identification by surviving victims, routinely mutilate them—for example, gouging out eyes or bludgeoning. Alarming was the sheer number of such attacks and the weak response from state and local authorities. While the first paper could be related to the Polish context, the brutal, typically lethal attacks on farms and their owners are virtually unknown in Poland, making the topic particularly interesting from a criminological perspective.

The second session belonged to Polish presenters. From the Police Academy, Superintendent Dr. Aleksandra Nowak presented “Green Criminology—Protection of Animal Rights,” discussing legal protections for animals, including methods of prevention and prosecution of crimes and offenses against animals. Jagoda Ławik, a student of the Police Academy, presented “Organized Crime in Poland” using the Pruszków mafia as an example—one of the best-known organized criminal groups in Poland, involved in drug production and distribution, arms trafficking, extortion, kidnappings, and murders.

From the University of Białystok, Mgr Marta Dąbrowska delivered a paper on online grooming (“Study of Internet Grooming”), that is, the seduction of children via the Internet. Based on research conducted in a Białystok secondary school, she presented disturbing statistics: a large number of teenagers—both boys and girls—had received at least one sexually suggestive message from a stranger; a smaller group reported receiving invitations to meetings or requests for erotic photos/videos. As she noted, this relatively new phenomenon is highly dangerous and exposes the youngest members of society to serious harm.

Also representing the University of Białystok, student Aleksandra Stachelska discussed the crime of stalking (“The Crime of Stalking”), defined as harassment that threatens safety through obsessive following or persecution. The paper showed that stalking has many sources, with unrequited love or romantic disappointment being among the most common causes.

Finally, speakers from the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn presented. Dr Joanna Narodowska and Dr Maciej Duda discussed “Contemporary Threats of Extremism in Poland,” a widely debated topic in Poland and worldwide in connection with the European migration crisis. Extremism—adopting radical political, religious, or social views and putting them into practice, often through extreme means—is considered a significant danger of the 21st century. Martyna Morawska, a third-year Law student at the Faculty of Law and Administration and President of the Student Research Group of Criminology “Vestigium,” presented on “The Problem of Hate Speech in Poland,” an urgent issue that must be addressed openly. Hate speech involves discriminating against and excluding social groups based on characteristics such as race, ethnic origin, nationality, sex, age, sexual orientation, political views, or religion. Focusing on the Polish context, she outlined criminal-law regulations and proposals to improve the current prevention system. Also representing UWM was Aleksandra Górczyńska, a third-year Law student and member of SRGC “Vestigium,” who presented “Killing Animals—Poaching and Legal Methods of Counteracting It in Poland,” discussing how Polish law addresses poaching.

The international conference “Contemporary Problems of Criminology” proved to be a highly fruitful and instructive experience. Participants learned about criminological problems in Poland and those faced by other countries—some similar to Poland’s, others entirely unfamiliar to our culture. This made not only the conference itself but also the ensuing discussion an exceptionally valuable and unique meeting.

Aleksandra Górczyńska
SRGC “Vestigium”

Cooperation with the Student Research Group of Criminology “Causa mali” at the Police Academy in Szczytno

Cooperation pays off!
By virtue of an agreement dated 19 November 2015 between the chairs of the criminology student research groups—Klaudia Łuka for SRGC “Vestigium” and Radosław Jasiński for SRG “Causa Mali”—on 8 December 2015 a delegation of SRGC “Vestigium” was able to enter the campus of the Police Academy in Szczytno. Thanks to the organizers, we visited the Police Analytical and Research Center. Our guides in the Anti-Narcotics Laboratory were Deputy Inspector Przemysław Wrzosek and Sergeant Daniel Bruski. We viewed, with great interest, the results of criminal ingenuity—ranging from document forgery techniques to methods for faster and more efficient drug production. We also learned several police principles for securing traces and evidence.

We then attended a lecture on training for police operations using the police crisis-situation simulator. We saw a simulation of recent demonstrations at the Constitutional Tribunal in Warsaw and the related police operations.

Not only study makes a student: at lunchtime we went to the cafeteria, where, in the company of colleagues from SRG “Causa Mali,” we gathered strength before the day’s main event. The highlight was a 17:00 public lecture, “Organization and Safety of Mass Events in the Context of Growing Terrorist Threats.” Lt. Col. Andrzej Kruczyński, former GROM officer, specialist in anti-terrorist operations and special actions, and participant in foreign missions, shared his experience serving as safety manager at UEFA EURO 2012 football matches. The lecture opened our eyes to the challenges of organizing mass events in Poland, such as the annual Battle of Grunwald reenactment or the then-upcoming World Youth Day in Kraków. We learned about training large numbers of qualified staff, implementing safety measures during the construction of the National Stadium in Warsaw, and the broad—though often underrated—capabilities of monitoring.

We thank SRG “Causa Mali” for the invitation, organization, and time! We hope this is the beginning of fruitful cooperation.

Martyna Morawska
SRGC “Vestigium”

Scientific Session “Assistance to Crime Victims,” 26 February 2009

On 26 February 2009, during the International Week for Assistance to Crime Victims (23–27 February 2009), a seminar titled “Assistance to Crime Victims” was held at the Faculty of Law and Administration of UWM. The seminar was another initiative of the Department of Criminology, Victimology, and Organized Crime Issues and the Student Research Group of Criminology “Vestigium” under the supervision of the Department’s academic staff.

After the ceremonial opening by the Dean of the Faculty of Law and Administration, Prof. Bronisław Sitek, Dr Grażyna Kędzierska (UWM) outlined the discipline of victimology. Tomasz Stawarski from the Voivodeship Police Headquarters in Olsztyn presented core strategies used in the Warmian-Masurian region, particularly the government program “Safer Together.” One noteworthy thesis concerned the public’s level of legal awareness: ignorance of the law often prevents victims from exercising their rights.

Dr Agata Tyburska, representing the Police Academy in Szczytno, addressed the still-topical problem of domestic violence—frequently directed at the youngest family members. A significant facet is sexual violence, which devastates a child’s psyche. She noted that criminological research debunks the media-propagated myth that a pedophile contacting a child via the Internet is typically a stranger; in reality, the perpetrator and victim often come from the same family or social circle, which hinders detection and favors victimization.

2nd Edition of the Criminology Knowledge Competition — 7 January 2008

The competition is an annual initiative of the Student Research Group of Criminology and staff of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Policy. In January 2008, the second edition took place with over 200 participants from the Faculty of Law and Administration.

Stage I consisted of a test of 50 single-choice questions covering criminology and victimology as taught in the curriculum. Ten top-scoring students advanced to the final. Stage II (7 January) required finalists to deliver a 10-minute talk on a randomly assigned topic before a jury and audience. The jury included, among others, the Voivodeship Police Commander in Olsztyn, Insp. Stanisław Mierzwa, the Head of the Forensic Laboratory of the Voivodeship Police Headquarters in Olsztyn, Chief Insp. Jolanta Łukaszewicz-Babecka, M.A., and Dr Piotr Krajewski, Vice-Dean for Student Affairs. Ms. Malwina Bandos, a second-year law student, won first place. All finalists received books funded by the Faculty.

Visit to the Forensic Laboratory of the Voivodeship Police Headquarters in Olsztyn — April 2009

In April 2009, SRGC “Vestigium” organized a visit for 15 law students to the Forensic Laboratory. This well-equipped unit plans, organizes, coordinates, and supervises forensic-technical aspects of detection in the Warmian-Masurian region. Chief Insp. Jolanta Łukaszewicz-Babecka, M.A., Head of the Laboratory, personally introduced participants to techniques and methods in dactyloscopy, toolmark examination, chemistry, biology, and document examination, illustrating each with compelling case examples where the lab’s work contributed to solving crimes.

37th International Student Research Groups Seminar — 9–10 May 2008

Held under the motto “Student Research Groups as a School of Creative Action,” the seminar opened with addresses by UWM Rector Prof. Ryszard Górecki and an inaugural lecture by Dr. Hab. Mariusz Rutkowski (“Poland Brakes, China Speeds… On Proper Names in Conceptual Metaphors”), followed by a concert by students of the UWM Institute of Music. The law section was organized entirely by SRGC “Vestigium.” The judging committee comprised Dr Paweł Polaczuk, Dr Jacek Zieliński, and Mgr Monika Kotowska-Romanowska. Eleven teams from various Polish universities participated.

Winners:

1. Paweł Sobotko, “Constitutional Law in Everyday Life” — Constitutional Law SRG “VOTUM,” UWM

2. Piotr Tokarski, “The Fate of the Sicilian Mafia and the Image of Society: Bernardo Provenzano in Context” — SRGC “Vestigium,” UWM

3. Marek Kowalski, “Liability of Travel Agencies under Package Travel Contracts” — Labour Law SRG, Nicolaus Copernicus University

Honorable Mentions:
– Ilona Kasińska, Cezary Jasiński, “Right… or Left? From Which Side Should We Look?” — SRGC “Vestigium,” UWM
– Szymon Krajnik, Michał Peno, “The Criminal Law System in the Eyes of Those Becoming Liable on General Principles” — Criminal Law and Criminology SRG, NCU

The evening brought relaxation at a horse-riding center with a bonfire. The next day included a trip to Gierłoż and Kętrzyn. Participants returned with a book containing all seminar papers (over 400 students from 250 groups) and a diploma recognizing the active participation of SRGC “Vestigium.”

Seminar “Preventing Illegal Migration—Victimological and Criminological Aspects” — 27 February 2008

Held under the Week for Assistance to Crime Victims, the seminar was organized by the Department of Criminology, Victimology and Organized Crime Issues (UWM) and SRGC “Vestigium,” under the patronage of Prof. Stanisław Pikulski, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Administration. Prof. Wiesław Pływaczewski delivered opening remarks on “Europe and the Problem of Migration; Illegal Immigrants—Offenders or Victims?” The guest of honor, Lt. Col. Henryk Raczkowski, Commander of the Border Guard Training Center in Kętrzyn, spoke on counteracting illegal migration using the example of FRONTEX. A second part—on the role and tasks of the Border Guard—took the form of a moderated discussion with Lt. Col. Raczkowski and Capt. Mariusz Kielc.

1st Edition of the Criminology Competition — 9 & 23 January 2008

The first edition took place in January 2008. Stage I (9 January) drew 162 students and consisted of 34 multiple-choice questions and 2 open questions (20 minutes). Nine top scorers advanced to the final. Stage II (23 January) required each finalist to draw a question and discuss it for 10 minutes before the jury and audience. The honorary patron was District Prosecutor Cezary Kamiński. The jury—Prosecutor Kamiński, Prof. Wiesław Pływaczewski, Mgr Monika Kotowska-Romanowska, and Mgr Piotr Chlebowicz—selected the winners: 1st Adam Pawłowski, 2nd Ilona Kasińska, 3rd Paulina Czerepińska. All finalists received diplomas and the book Selected Issues of Criminology edited by Wiesław Pływaczewski; the top three received additional books. Despite the test’s difficulty, most participants achieved 76% correct answers, necessitating a high threshold for selecting finalists—evidence of the competition’s quality and students’ preparation.

Public Lecture by Prof. Keiichi Yamanaka (Kansai University, Osaka) — 7 November 2007

SRGC “Vestigium” hosted a public lecture by Prof. Keiichi Yamanaka, a specialist in organized crime in Japan. Introduced by Prof. Wiesław Pływaczewski, Prof. Yamanaka—one of the leading figures of his generation in Japanese criminal law, recipient of prestigious scholarships (e.g., Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Heinrich Hertz Foundation)—has frequently lectured in Poland (Jagiellonian University, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, University of Białystok). In Olsztyn he discussed the spread of organized crime in Japan, focusing on Yakuza and Bōryokudan, followed by a lively discussion with members of SRGC “Vestigium.”

Publication Release — 15 October 2007

The latest volume, Selected Issues of Criminology, is a thoughtful collection combining articles by young authors—students or recent graduates now testing their theoretical knowledge in practice—with contributions from staff of the Department of Criminology, Victimology and Organized Crime Issues. The book addresses many pathological phenomena of the modern world. A discerning reader will learn, among other things: what stadium crime is; who and why forges works of art; whether possession of drugs is punishable; why women become criminals; what phonographic piracy is, and more. The book is recommended not only to law and administration students; it is also an interesting source for students of sociology, pedagogy, resocialization, and political science.