Join the Justice Information Resource Network’s 2026 Virtual Research Conference on June 9 –11, a three-day online event focused on strengthening the role of justice data in research, policy, and practice. The conference brings together justice researchers, analysts, and practitioners for plenaries, interactive discussions, and workshops designed to explore how rigorous data analysis can better inform decision-making in today’s complex justice environment. Attendees will gain insights on topics such as data credibility, transparency, administrative data integration, and strategies for communicating evidence to policymakers and the public.
Conference Agenda
| 1:00 – 1:15 PM | Welcome / Introduction to Event |
| Speakers: Stephen Haas, JIRN President & Susan Howley, JIRN Acting Executive Director; Overview of conference goals, theme, and structure | |
| 1:15 PM – 1:45 PM | Keynote: From Data to Decisions: Why Evidence Still Matters in Uncertain Times |
| Speaker: Dr. Alex Piquero, Chair and Professor of Sociology and Criminology; Arts and Sciences Distinguished Scholar, University of Miami | |
| 1:45 PM – 1:50 PM | Break |
| 1:50 PM – 3:10 PM | Plenary Panel 1 |
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Title: Trust, Transparency, and Credibility: Why Justice Data Matters More Than Ever Speakers: David E. Olson, Ph.D. David Yokum, Ph.D. Moderator: |
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| 3:10 PM – 3:35 PM | Breakout |
| Small group discussions | |
| 3:35 PM – 3:45 PM | Break / Sponsor / Commercial |
| TBD |
| 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM | Workshop 1 | Workshop 2 |
|
Title: From Analysis to Action: How SAC Research Informs Real Decisions Focus: Turning findings into recommendations; Working with agency leadership; What happens after the report. Speakers: Mallory Minter-Mohr Kelly Officer Nancy Radcliffe Moderator: |
Title: Communicating Justice Data to Policymakers, Media, and the Public Focus: Data, Decisions, and Dialogue: Translating findings to stakeholders and creating interest among media, partners, and policymakers Speakers: Shira Burns Senator Chip Curry Moderator: |
| 4:45 PM – 5:00 PM | Closing, Day One: Reflections and Book Raffle |
| Facilitators: Stephen Haas, JIRN President & Susan Howley, JIRN Acting Executive Director |
| 1:00 – 1:10 PM | Welcome & Reminders |
|
Speakers: Stephen Haas, JIRN President & Susan Howley, JIRN Acting Executive Director |
|
| 1:10 PM – 2:30 PM |
Plenary Panel 2 |
|
Title: Crime Trends, NIBRS, and Public Understanding in Volatile Times What is covered:
Speakers: Moderator: |
|
| 2:30 PM – 2:45 PM |
Sponsor Message, followed by Break |
| TBD |
| 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM | Workshop 3 | Workshop 4 |
|
Title: Victimization, Human Trafficking, and What Administrative Data Misses Madeleine Gorman Elisabeth F. Snell Moderator: |
Title: From Silos to Insights: Value and opportunities through data sharing and integration Focus: Criminal justice and partner agencies and organizations collect vast amounts of data, yet these systems often operate in isolation—limiting their potential to inform meaningful action. This session will explore how obtaining data from multiple sectors and working to integrate data across various sources can help to unlock insights to support research, analysis, evaluation, and evidence-based decision making at the local and state levels. The session will address real-world examples and consider strategies for utilizing and linking disparate datasets, navigating governance and privacy considerations, and building sustainable cross-sector partnerships. Attendees will gain practical ideas to address common barriers, identifying opportunities that collaborations and bringing data sources together can support, and the value that translating can have to supporting a variety of key public health and safety issues such as violence, overdose, and related aspects of community health and well-being. Speakers: Constance Kostelac, PhD Robert MacKenzie Charles Vear
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| 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM | Workshop 5 | Workshop 6 |
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Title: Recidivism, Reentry, and Measuring System Performance Speakers: Angelina Guarino Moderator: |
Title: Juvenile Justice and Cross-System Data Linkage Focus: What do we miss when we analyze youth systems in isolation; Access/use of multiple sources and governance/standardization; How data linkage can inform funding, intervention gaps, diversion, etc. Speakers: Briana Irwin Jeffrey Zuback
|
| 4:45 PM – 5:00 PM |
Closing, Day Two:Reflections and Raffle |
|
Facilitators: Stephen Haas, JIRN President & Susan Howley, JIRN Acting Executive Director |
| 1:00 – 1:05 PM | Welcome Back & What to Expect |
|
Speakers: Stephen Haas, JIRN President & Susan Howley, JIRN Acting Executive Director |
|
| 1:05 PM – 2:25 PM |
Plenary 3 |
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Title: Sustaining State Justice Research and Justice Data Capacity in Lean Times Ashley Billig, Ph.D. Laurel Wimbish Discussant: |
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| 2:25 PM – 2:45 PM |
Small Group Breakouts: Reactions & Conversation |
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Facilitated breakout rooms (8–10 participants); Moderators: JIRN members and staff; Focus: Sustaining Data Infrastructure; Framing question: If your agency’s core funding were reduced by 25% next year, what would you do? |
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| 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM |
Break/Sponsor/Commercial |
| TBD |
| 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Workshop 7 | Workshop 8 |
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Title: Dashboards That Actually Get Used Focus: Fostering the successful and long-term use of dashboards using human-centered design and implementation science methods. This presentation will review dashboard recommendations that follow the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) Framework. Two dashboard creators will compare their own dashboards to those recommendations. Speakers: Jeffrey Zuback Fernanda S. Rossi, PhD Charlea Robinson |
Title: The State of Applied Justice Research: Careers, Capacity, and Change Focus: An increasing number of scholars are pursuing careers in applied research for governmental agencies and nonprofit and community-based organizations. This panel brings together professionals with a history of working outside traditional academic roles to discuss non-academic research careers. Panelists will examine key challenges and opportunities in developing a strong applied research workforce, including strategies for recruiting diverse talent, preparing graduate students for careers beyond the professoriate, and fostering long-term professional growth and retention in applied settings. The discussion will highlight the skill sets needed for success in 2026 and beyond—such as interdisciplinary collaboration, data literacy, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to translate research for policy makers and practitioners. The panel will also focus on practical ways to connect with and mentor students interested in applied career pathways, including building partnerships between academic programs and external organizations and experiential learning and career readiness opportunities. Speakers: Janice Iwama, PhD Niloufer Taber, PhD, MPA, MPH Rose Werth, PhD |
| 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Closing Session |
|
Title: Looking Ahead: The Future of Data-Informed Justice Facilitators: Stephen Haas, JIRN President & Susan Howley, JIRN Acting Executive Director Focus: Conference synthesis, participant reflections, next steps for JIRN training, planned TTA, and membership engagement |
Tuesday, June 9th
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Welcome/Introduction to Event
Speakers: Stephen Haas, JIRN President & Susan Howley, JIRN Acting Executive Director; Overview of conference goals, theme, and structure
1:15 PM – 1:45 PM
Keynote: From Data to Decisions: Why Evidence Still Matters in Uncertain Times
Speaker: Dr. Alex Piquero, Chair and Professor of Sociology and Criminology; Arts and Sciences Distinguished Scholar, University of Miami
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Plenary Panel 1
Title: Trust, Transparency, and Credibility: Why Justice Data Matters More Than Ever
Focus: This plenary examines how justice researchers, statistical agencies, and policymakers can strengthen trust and credibility in an era of rapid information sharing, political polarization, and growing public skepticism. Panelists will discuss the challenges of balancing timeliness, accuracy, transparency, and independence while communicating justice data to policymakers, practitioners, journalists, and the public. The session will explore how stakeholders interpret and use justice statistics, the risks of misinformation and selective interpretation, and the evolving role of SACs and other government agencies as trusted “honest brokers” of data. Through an interactive discussion, attendees will gain insights into how the field of justice can build confidence in data and strengthen the legitimacy of evidence-informed decision-making.
Speakers:
James P. Lynch, Ph.D.
Research Professor, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice
University of Maryland
David E. Olson, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology and Co-Director, Center for Criminal Justice
Loyola University Chicago
David Yokum, Ph.D.
Chief Scientist, North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management and
Professor of the Practice, UNC-Chapel Hill School of Data Science & Society
Moderator:
Stephen Haas, Ph.D.
President
Justice Information Resource Network (JIRN) Executive Committee
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Break/Sponsor/Commercial
TBD
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Small Group Discussion: Reactions & Conversations
Facilitated breakout rooms (8–10 participants)
Moderators: JIRN members and staff
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
Workshop 1
itle: From Analysis to Action: How SAC Research Informs Real Decisions
Focus (SAC-specific): Turning findings into recommendations; Working with agency leadership; What happens after the report.
Speakers:
William Ash-Houchen
Senior Research Analyst
Oregon Criminal Justice Commission
Mallory Minter-Mohr
Social Science Research Specialist
Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services
Kelly Officer
Research Director
Oregon Criminal Justice Commission
Nancy Radcliffe
Social Science Research Specialist
Office of Criminal Justice Services,
Ohio Department of Public Safety
Moderator:
Kaitlyn Bouchard
Research Analyst
Ohio Statistical Analysis Center
Workshop 2
Title: Communicating Justice Data to Policymakers, Media, and the Public
Focus (External communication & media): Translating findings to stakeholders/public; Creating interest among media, policymakers, public; Working with the media/policymakers; Fielding and responding questions/concerns
Speakers:
Callie Ferguson
Deputy Investigations Editor
Bangor Daily News
Shira Burns
Executive Director
Maine Prosecutors’ Association
Senator Chip Curry
District 11, Waldo County
Moderator:
Julia Bergeron-Smith
Policy Associate
Catherine Cutler Institute
University of Southern Maine
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Closing, Day One: Reflections and Book Raffle
Facilitators: Stephen Haas, JIRN President & Susan Howley, JIRN Acting Executive Director
Wednesday, June 10th
1:00 PM – 1:10 PM
Welcome & Reminders
Speakers: Stephen Haas, JIRN President & Susan Howley, JIRN Acting Executive Director
1:10 PM – 2:30 PM
Plenary Panel 2
Title: Crime Trends, NIBRS, and Public Understanding in Volatile Times
Focus: As NIBRS becomes the country’s sole source of incident-level crime data, inconsistent analysis, classification, and counting practices are producing different answers to identical questions about crime. The presentation frames the consequences for the public, the press, and policymakers, and lays out a strategy for restoring comparability and trust in the data.
What is covered:
- How differing definitions of “violent crime” and differing counting units (incident, victim, offense) produce materially different totals from the same underlying records.
- SEARCH’s broader strategy for strengthening NIBRS centered on shared analysis standards, source-level analysis before national submission, and standardized counting methodologies.
- Key areas where NIBRS requires continued investment, including data science capacity, sustainable state funding for technology maintenance, formal reporting and quality assurance standards, and training tailored to different audiences.
Speakers:
Derek Veitenheimer
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
SEARCH
Moderator:
Christopher Henning
Senior Research Analyst
Bureau of Justice Information and Analysis, Wisconsin Department of Justice
White Board Activity related to Plenary Panel Two
Title: What Do Decision-Makers Get Wrong About Crime Data?
2:30PM – 2:45 PM
Break/Sponsor/Commercial
TBD
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Workshop 3
Title: Victimization, Human Trafficking, and What Administrative Data Misses
Focus: Limits of administrative data and what gets systematically missed (e.g., sexual violence, trafficking, coercive control); Using survey and administrative data together to fill gaps/improve interpretation; Ways to responsibly report limitations without undermining the conclusions
Speakers:
Amy Farrell, Ph.D.
Director and Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice,
Northeastern University
Madeleine Gorman
Deputy Chief of Staff
Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance
Elisabeth F. Snell
Senior Policy Associate and Director of VAWAMEI,
Catherine Cutler Institute, University of Southern Maine
Moderator:
Susan Smith Howley, JD
Interim Executive Director
Justice Information Resource Network
Workshop 4
Title: From Silos to Insights: Value and opportunities through data sharing and integration
Focus: Criminal justice and partner agencies and organizations collect vast amounts of data, yet these systems often operate in isolation—limiting their potential to inform meaningful action. This session will explore how obtaining data from multiple sectors and working to integrate data across various sources can help to unlock insights to support research, analysis, evaluation, and evidence-based decision making at the local and state levels. The session will address real-world examples and consider strategies for utilizing and linking disparate datasets, navigating governance and privacy considerations, and building sustainable cross-sector partnerships. Attendees will gain practical ideas to address common barriers, identifying opportunities that collaborations and bringing data sources together can support, and the value that translating can have to supporting a variety of key public health and safety issues such as violence, overdose, and related aspects of community health and well-being.
Speakers:
Constance Kostelac, PhD
Assistant Professor,
Division of Health Policy, Economics, and Data Analytics, Institute for Health & Humanity
Director,
Division of Data Analytics and Informatics,
Comprehensive Injury Center,
Medical College of Wisconsin
Robert MacKenzie
Research Analyst
Division of Data Analytics and Informatics, Comprehensive Injury Center,
Medical College of Wisconsin
Charles Vear
Research Analyst
Institute for Health and Humanity,
Division of Epidemiology & Social Sciences,
Medical College of Wisconsin
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
Workshop 5
Title: Recidivism, Reentry, and Measuring System Performance
Focus: This workshop will challenge participants to rethink how correctional systems define and measure success. Panelists will examine the limits of traditional recidivism measures and explore alternative indicators such as institutional behavior, staff safety, employment, mortality, and time to recidivism. The discussion will highlight how states can use data to better inform policy decisions, improve system performance, and align reporting with outcomes that matter to policymakers, practitioners, and communities. Speakers will also discuss how SACs and correctional agencies can move beyond measuring failure alone and toward evaluating progress, stability, and long-term reintegration outcomes.
Speakers:
Grant Duwe, Ph.D.
Director of Research and Evaluation,
Minnesota Department of Corrections
Angelina Guarino
Assistant Secretary of Data, Policy and Grants,
Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
Moderator:
Stephen Haas, PhD
JIRN President
Workshop 6
Title: Juvenile Justice and Cross-System Data Linkage
Focus: What do we miss when we analyze youth systems in isolation; Access/use of multiple sources and governance/standardization; How data linkage can inform funding, intervention gaps, diversion, etc.
Speakers:
Emily Dattilio
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Data Analytics and Program Support, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
Briana Irwin
Statistical Analyst
Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy
Jeffrey Zuback
Director of Research, Analysis, and Evaluation
Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Closing, Day Two:Reflections and Raffle
Facilitators: Stephen Haas, JIRN President & Susan Howley, JIRN Acting Executive Director
Thursday, June 11th
1:00 PM – 1:05 PM
Welcome Back & What to Expect
Speakers: Stephen Haas, JIRN President & Susan Howley, JIRN Acting Executive Director
1:05 PM – 2:25 PM
Plenary Panel 3
Title: Sustaining State Justice Research and Justice Data Capacity in Lean Times
Focus: This plenary will examine how states can maintain and strengthen justice research, statistical analysis, and data infrastructure during periods of fiscal uncertainty and competing priorities. Panelists will discuss practical strategies for securing and diversifying funding, demonstrating return on investment, building partnerships, and communicating the value of justice data to policymakers and stakeholders. The session will explore innovative approaches for sustaining staffing and preserving the institutional research capacity needed to produce credible, timely, and actionable justice data in resource-constrained environments.
Speakers:
Karhlton Moore, JD
Senior Vice President of Health and Public Safety
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
Ashley Billig, Ph.D.
Director, Bureau of Justice Information and Analysis
Department of Justice, State of Wisconsin
Laurel Wimbish
Criminal Justice Manager, Senior Research Scientist
Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center (WYSAC)
Discussant:
Chris Asplen
Executive Director
National Criminal Justice Association
2:25 PM – 2:45 PM
Small Group Discussions: Reactions & Conversation
Facilitated breakout rooms (8–10 participants)
Moderators: JIRN members and staff;
Focus: Sustaining Data Infrastructure; Framing question: If your agency’s core funding were reduced by 25% next year, what would you do?
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Break/Sponsor/Commercial
TBD
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Workshop 7
Title: Dashboards That Actually Get Used
Focus: Why some dashboards “get used” and influence decisions and others don’t; What decisions are dashboards designed to inform; What increases the “usability” of dashboards for various audiences/stakeholders; Building trust among data providers; Sustaining dashboards; Avoiding most common misinterpretations of dashboard data
Speakers:
Briana Irwin
Statistical Analyst
Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy
Jeffrey Zuback
Director of Research, Analysis, and Evaluation
Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy
Fernanda S. Rossi, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Stanford University School of Medicine
Charlea Robinson
Policy & Research Analyst
Statistical Analysis Center,
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, District of Columbia
Workshop 8
Title: The State of Applied Justice Research: Careers, Capacity, and Change
Focus: An increasing number of scholars are pursuing careers in applied research for governmental agencies and nonprofit and community-based organizations. This panel brings together professionals with a history of working outside traditional academic roles to discuss non-academic research careers.
Panelists will examine key challenges and opportunities in developing a strong applied research workforce, including strategies for recruiting diverse talent, preparing graduate students for careers beyond the professoriate, and fostering long-term professional growth and retention in applied settings. The discussion will highlight the skill sets needed for success in 2026 and beyond—such as interdisciplinary collaboration, data literacy, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to translate research for policy makers and practitioners. The panel will also focus on practical ways to connect with and mentor students interested in applied career pathways, including building partnerships between academic programs and external organizations and experiential learning and career readiness opportunities.
Speakers:
Megan Alderdan, PhD
Director and Associate Professor
DePaul University
Janice Iwama, PhD
Associate Professor, Justice, Law & Criminology
American University
Closing Session
Title: Looking Ahead: The Future of Data-Informed Justice
Facilitators: Stephen Haas, JIRN President & Susan Howley, JIRN Acting Executive Director
Focus: Conference synthesis, participant reflections, next steps for JIRN training, planned TTA, and membership engagement
Speakers
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Alex Piquero
Chair and Professor of Sociology and Criminology; Arts and Sciences Distinguished Scholar,
University of Miami
Megan Alderdan, PhD
Director and Associate Professor
DePaul University
William Ash-Houchen, PhD
Senior Research Analyst
Oregon Criminal Justice Commission
Chris Asplen, JD
Executive Director
National Criminal Justice Association
Julia Bergeron-Smith
Policy Associate
Catherine Cutler Institute, University of Southern Maine
Ashley Billig, PhD
Director, State of Wisconsin Department of Justice
Bureau of Justice Information and Analysis
Kaitlyn Bouchard
Research Analyst
Ohio Statistical Analysis Center
Shira Burns, Esq.
Executive Director
Maine Prosecutors Association
Senator Chip Curry
District 11, Waldo County
Maine Senate, Maine State Legislature
Emily Dattilio
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Data Analytics and Program Support,
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
Grant Duwe, PhD
Director of Research and Evaluation,
Minnesota Department of Corrections,
Amy Farrell, PhD
Director and Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice,
Northeastern University
Callie Ferguson
Deputy Investigations Editor
Bangor Daily News
Madeleine Gorman
Deputy Chief of Staff
Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance
Stephen Haas, PhD
President,
Justice Information Resource Network
Briana Irwin
Statistical Analyst
Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy
Janice Iwama, PhD
Associate Professor, Justice, Law & Criminology
American University
Constance Kostelac, PhD
Assistant Professor, Division of Health Policy, Economics, and Data Analytics, Institute for Health & Humanity
Director, Division of Data Analytics and Informatics, Comprehensive Injury Center,
Medical College of Wisconsin
James P. Lynch, PhD
Research Professor, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice
University of Maryland
Robert MacKenzie
Research Analyst
Division of Data Analytics and Informatics, Comprehensive Injury Center,
Medical College of Wisconsin
Mallory Minter-Mohr, PhD
Social Science Research Specialist
Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services
Karhlton Moore, JD
Senior Vice President of Public Safety
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
Kelly Officer
Research Director
Oregon Criminal Justice Commission
David Olsen, PhD
Professor and Criminology Co-Director, Center for Criminal Justice,
Loyola University Chicago
Charleá Robinson
Policy and Research Analyst
Statistical Analysis Center, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
Nancy Radcliffe
Social Science Research Specialist
Office of Criminal Justice Services, Ohio Department of Public Safety
Fernanda S. Rossi, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Stanford University School of Medicine
Susan Smith Howley, JD
Interim Executive Director
Justice Information Resource Network
Elisabeth Snell
Senior Policy Associate and Director of VAWAMEI,
Catherine Cutler Institute, University of Southern Maine
Niloufer Taber, PhD, MPA, MPH
Director of Research and Policy
District of Columbia’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
Charles Vear
Research Analyst
Institute for Health and Humanity, Division of Epidemiology & Social Sciences,
Medical College of Wisconsin
Derek Veitenheimer
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, SEARCH
S. Rose Werth, PhD
Senior Research Analyst
North Carolina Criminal Justice Analysis Center
Laurel Wimbish
Criminal Justice Manager, Senior Research Scientist,
Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center (WYSAC)
David Yokum, PhD
Chief Scientist, North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management; Professor of the Practice, UNC-Chapel Hill School of Data Science & Society
Jeffrey Zuback
Director of Research, Analysis, and Evaluation, Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy
Virtual Book Shelf
These books are part of the daily book drawing at the end of each conference day. All registrants are eligible to win.
Evolving Constitutional Rights: The Roberts Court and Criminal Justice
by Christopher E. Smith, Michael A. McCall and Madhavi M. McCall
Series: Perspectives on Crime and Justice
Evolving Constitutional Rights: The Roberts Court and Criminal Justice offers a compelling and in-depth analysis of how the U.S. Supreme Court has reshaped constitutional protections under Chief Justice John Roberts. Authors Christopher E. Smith, Michael A. McCall, and Madhavi M. McCall examine the Court’s significant decisions from 2005 to Justice Breyer’s retirement in 2022, revealing a complex judicial landscape where traditional doctrines are revised and fundamental rights are redefined.
The Roberts Court played a decisive role in some of the most contentious issues in American law. Due to several justices’ application of originalist interpretations, its rulings have reconfigured key constitutional protections—often in ways that expand the authority of law enforcement while constraining legislative power over criminal statutes. The trajectory of the Court’s conservative supermajority raises pressing questions about the future of constitutional rights.
Taking a rigorous yet accessible approach, Evolving Constitutional Rights breaks down the Court’s influence across the full spectrum of criminal justice issues, from sentencing and trial rights to search-and-seizure protections, Miranda warnings, and corrections policies. Using both legal and empirical analysis, the authors track patterns in judicial ideology, uncovering how the Roberts Court has not only reinforced conservative principles but also unexpectedly broadened rights in areas such as digital privacy and defense counsel obligations.
This timely and insightful book goes beyond historical rulings to offer a forward-looking perspective on the Supreme Court’s role in shaping public safety, legal precedent, and the balance of power in American government. Essential reading for legal scholars, policymakers, and anyone concerned with the future of constitutional rights, this new volume provides a clear and authoritative examination of the Roberts Court’s lasting impact on American law.
“Beyond a doubt, the best and most comprehensive examination of how the Roberts Court’s criminal justice decisions are the culmination of what conservatives have wanted to achieve for nearly fifty years. The authors bring a rich legal and political science methodology to their research, ably documenting how the Roberts Court has transformed the criminal justice system in America.”—David Schultz, Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies, Hamline University
Q Policing LGBTQ+ Experiences, Perspectives, and Passions
Edited by Roddrick Colvin, Angela Dwyer and Sulaimon Giwa
Series: Perspectives on Crime and Justice
Global perspectives on policing within LGBTQ+ communities
Relationships between law enforcement and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities have always been varied and complex. On one hand, history is filled with incidents of police harassment: raids that sparked famous uprisings and rebellions; shoddy police investigations into the murders of LGBTQ+ community members; a corrosive organizational culture marked by heteronormativity and misogyny. Yet positive changes are being made, such as the creation of LGBTQ+ police associations, participation by police officers in Pride Parades around the world, and formal apologies for past actions. To some LGBTQ+ community members, police are the physical manifestations of state-sanctioned oppression and abuse. To others, they are guardians who have become partners in public safety.
Q Policing features eighteen contributors from around the world who explore the nature of the relationship between LGBTQ+ communities and the police. Part 1 of the book offers insights on policing and racial and ethnic constructions, including efforts to build collaborative models of community-building within groups and with law enforcement. Part 2 highlights the experiences of individuals who may be marginalized due to various social constructions such as transgender, unhoused, southern, or kink-involved. Finally, Part 3 shares perspectives of queer folks inside policing.
The contributors—scholars, social workers, police officers, and other community leaders—cover diverse topics, including queer experiences of policing in southern India, clinical implications for mental health professionals working with Latinx LGBTQ+ people, transgender and nonbinary peoples’ presentation management during encounters with law enforcement, discriminatory policies in place in the southern United States, the pathologization of kink, and more. Essays analyze interviews with the “Pride Defenders” in Hamilton, Canada, as well as British and American police officers transitioning while in uniform. They explore the experiences of gay, lesbian, and genderqueer police officers, map principal findings and central concerns that structure extant scholarship on gay police officers in the UK, use queer theory to explore the effectiveness of LGBTQ+ liaisons, and more.
The volume editors adopt an inclusive global perspective to account for contextually located experiences of queer people within and outside of the United States. The book incorporates a variety of voices, data sources, and methodologies, but contributors share an intentional focus on race, age, sex, gender, and other identities that helps explain and contextualize queer people’s experiences around and in policing. The diverse, international group of contributors—whose voices are not often heard in traditional outlets and mainstream media—demonstrates that despite discrimination, harassment, and violence, LGBTQ+ communities continue to thrive.
“Q Policing is a welcome addition to queer criminological literature. Colvin, Dwyer, and Giwa have brought together an impressive cadre of scholars, offering a unique and global collection of essays that explore the intersectional experiences of queer people who have come into contact with law enforcement and/or who work as police officers themselves.”—Emily Lenning, coauthor of Queer Criminology
American Zealots: Inside Right-Wing Domestic Terrorism
Arie Perliger
Columbia University Press
In an unsettling time in American history, the outbreak of right-wing violence is among the most disturbing developments. In recent years, attacks originating from the far right of American politics have targeted religious and ethnic minorities, with a series of antigovernment militants, religious extremists, and lone-wolf mass shooters inspired by right-wing ideologies. The need to understand the nature and danger of far-right violence is greater than ever.
In American Zealots, Arie Perliger provides a wide-ranging and rigorously researched overview of right-wing domestic terrorism. He analyzes its historical roots, characteristics, tactics, rhetoric, and organization, assessing the current and future trajectory of the use of violence by the far right. Perliger draws on a comprehensive dataset of more than 5,000 attacks and their perpetrators from 1990 through 2017 in order to explore key trends in American right-wing terrorism. He describes the entire ideological spectrum of the American far right, including today’s white supremacists, antigovernment groups, and antiabortion fundamentalists, as well as the histories of the KKK, skinheads, and neo-Nazis. Based on these findings, Perliger suggests counterterrorism policies that can respond effectively to the far-right threat. A groundbreaking examination of violence spawned from right-wing ideologies, American Zealots is essential reading for everyone seeking to understand the transformation of domestic terrorism.
“Perliger is impassioned and cleareyed about how troubling the trends are…a plainspoken and data-driven yet essential book for understanding the underpinnings of today’s domestic terrorists.” Kirkus Reviews