There have been massive advances in how the FBI collects and publishes crime data over the last few years and in this episode Jeff talks with the man in charge of that operation: FBI Assistant Director Tim Ferguson. Tim runs the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division which, among other things, runs the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report. CJIS has made dramatic leaps in producing fast, accurate crime data that makes it possible to better understand our crime trends in near real-time.

In this conversation, Jeff talks with Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams to discuss the challenges of balancing crime reduction with justice and how the innovative “N.O.D.I.C.E” program addresses the geographic footprint of crime in New Orleans. Jason emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making, community engagement, and the myriad of challenges stemming from non-unanimous juries in Louisiana.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Today, I’m talking with Jennifer Doleac, Executive Vice President of Criminal Justice at Arnold Ventures, about how research makes better choices in criminal justice policy possible. This is very evident in her new book (just out now!) called ‘The Science of Second Chances‘ which I’d highly recommend as an engaging, approachable read on a critical topic. Jen is one of the most thoughtful scholars on how we can solve criminal justice problems with research-backed policies, and this is a conversation I’ve been looking forward to having ever since launching the podcast.

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.

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.