Profs on Cops

Interviews with social scientists and criminologists who are doing cutting-edge research on police practices and behavior and how they affect the community.

Profs on Cops is a science podcast hosted by Bill Gormley, with 23 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Bill Gormley hosts Profs on Cops, a science show with 23 episodes published.

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  Profs on Cops

  Can Nonprofits Reduce Violent Crime?

  Jul 30, 202632 min

  The answer, according to Patrick Sharkey, Professor of Sociology at Princeton University, is unequivocally yes! Sharkey's rigorous research shows that local nonprofits, including job-focused and drug-focused organizations, have significantly reduced violent crime in many U.S. communities. He cites the East Lake neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia as a vivid example of what nonprofits can accomplish. Sharkey also reflects on the relative roles of nonprofits and traditional law enforcement agencies.

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  Profs on Cops

  The Problem with Sheriffs

  May 28, 202639 minS0

  <p> Unlike local police chiefs, local sheriffs are popularly elected. In theory, that makes them accountable to the voters. In practice, their accountability is quite limited. For example, the incumbency advantage of sitting sheriffs in local elections is enormous. Mirya Holman, Professor of Public Affairs at the University of Houston and co-author (with Emily Farris) of The Power of the Badge, discovered through two national surveys just how unrepresentative local sheriffs are. She discusses why that matters. Unrepresentative sheriffs have attitudes that significantly affect local law enforcement policies on domestic violence, racial bias, and immigration detention.</p>

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  Profs on Cops

  Crime Prevention Strategies

  Apr 23, 202630 minS0

  <p> In a new book, The Science of Second Chances, economist Jennifer Doleac puts criminal justice reform strategies under the microscope. Should prosecutors be lenient towards first offenders? Should probation ground-rules be strict and strictly enforced? Should persons convicted of a felony have their DNA included in a law enforcement data base? Should employers be allowed to ask job applicants whether they have been convicted of a crime? Doleac, the Executive Vice President of Arnold Ventures, believes in answering these questions with rigorous empirical evidence. Some of her answers will surprise you!</p>

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  Profs on Cops

  Can Police De-escalate Conflicts?

  Apr 7, 202631 minS0

  <p> De-escalation training for police is not new, but it has received growing attention in recent years, as concerns over the use of force by police have surged. Until recently, little was known about the actual effects of de-escalation training. Robin Engel, Senior Scientist at the Ohio State University, has conducted a systematic review of multiple studies and an in-depth analysis of the effects of de-escalation training in Louisville, Ky. and Indianapolis, Ind. She discusses her surprising findings and offers some insights.</p><p><br></p>

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  Profs on Cops

  Clearance Rates for Violent Crimes

  Jan 13, 202632 minS0

  <p> Homicide clearance rates, at 61 percent nationwide, are disappointing, and clearance rates for nonfatal gun shootings are even lower. Phillip Cook, Professor Emeritus of Public Policy and Economics at Duke University, offers explanations for relatively low clearance rates, including changes in arrest requirements and the mix of cases being investigated. For example, as drug and gang cases have proliferated, clearance rates have declined. On the positive side, Cook discusses promising efforts by Denver, Indianapolis, and other cities to boost clearance rates.</p>

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