Check out new episodes of the Jeff-alytics Podcast below! Subscribe to listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, iHeart Radio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

How To Reduce Gun Violence in Cities With Jens Ludwig

In this episode, Jens Ludwig discusses his extensive research on gun violence, particularly focusing on youth violence and the role of the University of Chicago Crime Lab. He emphasizes the importance of using data and behavioral science to understand and address the root causes of gun violence.

The Science Behind Smarter Policing With Jerry Ratcliffe

In this engaging conversation, criminologist Jerry Ratcliffe shares his unique journey from a police officer to an academic specializing in policing. He discusses the importance of evidence-based policing, the challenges of communicating research to practitioners, and the evolving perceptions of crime trends in the U.S. Ratcliffe also highlights significant studies, including the Kansas City Preventive Patrol Experiment and his own Philadelphia Foot Patrol Experiment, which have shaped modern policing strategies.

What We Get Wrong About Immigration and Crime With Dara Lind

In this episode, Dara Lind discusses her extensive background in immigration policy and reporting, the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, and the often misunderstood relationship between immigration and crime. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of immigration policy, the judicial responses to enforcement actions, and the public’s perception of immigrants in relation to crime.

The Policies Behind Atlantic County’s Safer Streets With William Reynolds

In this episode, Jeff talks with Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds about building an efficient, effective, and fair criminal justice system in one of the most interesting places in America: Atlantic City. There are few places in American that punch above its weight more than Atlantic City and Mr. Reynolds tells a fascinating tale of trying to be honest and smart while also reducing crime.

EPISODE 12: The Nation’s Crime Measures with Alex Piquero

Today, former Bureau of Justice Statistics director Alex Piquero shares his journey from playing in a rock band to becoming a prominent figure in criminology and the Bureau of Justice Statistics. We chat about the importance of crime data, particularly the National Crime Victimization Survey, and the challenges of public perception versus reality in crime trends. Piquero also highlights the intersection of sports and crime research, emphasizing the need for accurate data collection and communication.

EPISODE 10: When Criminal Justice Policy Ignores Lived Experiences With Ifetayo Harvey

In this conversation, Jeff Asher and Ifetayo Harvey explore the misconceptions surrounding crime trends, the importance of context in data interpretation, and the stigma associated with drug use. They discuss the need for policymakers to experience the realities of justice-impacted families and the significance of using person-first language.

EPISODE 9: Lessons From Economics on Communicating Crime Data with Paul Krugman

In this episode of the Jeff-alytics Podcast, Paul Krugman discusses his extensive background in economics, the challenges of communicating economic realities, and the discrepancies between public perception and actual data. He emphasizes the role of media in shaping these perceptions and the impact of social media on public trust in data. Krugman also reflects on the importance of success stories in economics and crime reporting, the changing media landscape, and shares his experiences with the Nobel Prize. 

EPISODE 8: What Minneapolis Can Teach Us About Police Reform With Ganesha Martin

In this episode of the Jeff-alytics Podcast, Ganesha Martin shares her unique journey from law to policing, reflecting on her experiences in Baltimore and Minneapolis. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in police reform, emphasizing community engagement, the role of consent decrees, and the importance of addressing public perceptions of crime and safety.

EPISODE 7: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About NIBRS But Were Afraid To Ask With Susan Parker

In this conversation, Dr. Susan Parker discusses her work at the intersection of health and crime, focusing on NIBRS (the National Incident-Based Reporting System) and its implications for understanding crime data. She explains the complexities of crime reporting, the innovative uses of NIBRS data in research, and the challenges agencies face in implementing this new system.

EPISODE 6: Data and the Prosecutor with Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner

In this conversation, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner discusses his journey to office, the innovative use of data in criminal justice, and the importance of community engagement. He emphasizes the need for transparency, the role of prevention and forensics in reducing crime, and the challenges posed by political narratives around crime.

Episode 5: A Legislator’s Vision for Data-informed Policymaking with Whitney Westerfield

In this conversation, Whitney Westerfield shares his journey as a state senator and his insights into criminal justice policy. He discusses the importance of data in shaping legislation, his experiences as a prosecutor, and the challenges of balancing victim needs with effective criminal justice reform. Whitney reflects on his proudest legislative achievements, including juvenile justice reform and victim rights, while also addressing the complexities of voting against party lines.

EPISODE 4: HOW CAN JAIL DATA INFORM CRIMINAL JUSTICE POLICIES? WITH ANNA HARVEY

In this episode of the Jeff-alytics Podcast, Anna Harvey discusses the Jail Data Initiative, a groundbreaking project improving the way we collect and analyze data on jail populations. Anna explains the challenges of data collection, why understanding jail populations is essential for meaningful reform, and how accurate data can shape criminal justice policies. The discussion also explores the need for stronger data-sharing agreements and the exciting potential for future research to inform evidence-based change.

EPISODE 3: UNDERSTANDING AMERICA’S CRIME DEBATE WITH PHILIP BUMP

In this episode, Jeff Asher speaks with Philip Bump about the gap between perceptions and reality, what the data tells us, and how to deal with a lack of good faith in discussing crime trends.

EPISODE 2: CAN DATA CHANGE THE WAY WE SEE CRIME? WITH LAURA ARNOLD

In this episode, Jeff Asher speaks with Laura Arnold, co-founder and co-chair of Arnold Ventures, about the significant gap between crime data and public perception—and what it means for public policy. Laura shares her journey into philanthropy and how Arnold Ventures is working to drive data-driven, systemic solutions in the criminal justice system.

Episode 1: Why Stories Stick and Data Struggles with Michael Lewis

In this conversation, Michael Lewis and Jeff Asher delve into the complexities of crime trends and the role of data in shaping public perception. They discuss the challenges of effectively communicating crime statistics, the importance of storytelling in data analysis, and the impact of social media on crime trends.

Episode 0: Introducing the Jeff-alytics Podcast!

Introducing our new podcast where I’ll talk with policymakers, academics, journalists, and everyday people to better understand crime and criminal justice trends, why people don’t believe crime is ever falling, and what people are doing about the gap between perceptions and reality so we can tell the true story behind the numbers.