This is a composition of information derived from the research conducted to produce each episode of Nefarious. As part of my final thesis project for my undergraduate degrees in criminal justice and forensic psychology, I created a podcast on the topic of true crime with an academic approach titled Nefarious. Each episode of Nefarious examines a particular case in relation to some academic theme learned throughout my educational career at Arizona State University. Episode one examines the life and crimes of Richard Ramirez and different criminological theories that could be used to explain his behavior. Episode two looks at the case of Brock Turner and Chanel Miller and focuses on the larger problem of rape culture in America and sexual assault on college campuses. In episode three the case of the Central Park Five is detailed in relation to false confessions and wrongful convictions within the legal system. Episode four is centered around Kyle Rittenhouse and the use of self-defense as a legal defense in the justice system as well as the political atmosphere surrounding this case. The fifth episode explores three cases of police brutality against racial minorities and the history of police in America. The final episode of Nefarious covers the life and crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer and analyzes such actions from a forensic psychology approach.

Since the Summer of 2020, there has been an increase in distrust and dissatisfaction with policing in America. Several key events of perceived police brutality have caused this dissatisfaction, which has become a focal point among leaders in political discourse and has led to backlash from the community and significant policy proposals. However, while politicians and unions have had a platform to share their opinions, current police officers have not had much of a voice to discuss how their jobs have been affected. This study seeks to identify whether the attitudes of police in Arizona have been adversely affected since the Summer of 2020 and to see how the community’s behavior towards the police has been affected, if both of these things have changed at all. The officers interviewed were split evenly on whether their personal job satisfaction has been affected. Most officers saw an increase in both support and hostility from the community. A majority of officers also reported that their fellow officers have experienced an overall decrease in morale since the Summer of 2020. The last significant takeaway is that the officers were largely pessimistic about the future of policing due to an increase in their fellow officers quitting and a decrease in new recruits.