Explore the gap between evidence-based policy and tough on crime politics. Learn how applied criminology can transform justice system spending into safer streets.

Translational criminology treats research not as a static paper in a journal, but as a living tool for policy change, bridging the gap between what we know and what we do.
Criminology as an applied social science focusing on practical applications in policy and real-world impact.







Applied criminology originated as a practical field focused on solving real-world social pathologies in urban environments. While the field eventually drifted toward academic 'pure' theory—explaining crime in the abstract—applied criminology seeks to bridge the gap between research and policy. By focusing on the science of safer streets, it aims to replace ideological 'tough on crime' politics with evidence-based strategies that have a measurable impact on public safety.
Between 1982 and 2012, the United States saw a staggering 639% increase in justice system spending, with annual costs rising from $36 billion to $265 billion. Despite this massive investment, much of the funding supported a 'nothing works' philosophy. Instead of utilizing evidence-based alternatives, resources were often directed toward policies like mandatory minimums and zero-tolerance policing, which researchers later found to be empirically unsound or even counterproductive.
Evidence-based policy is crucial because it relies on the science of criminology rather than ideology or political trends. For years, a vacuum existed where 'tough on crime' politics took precedence over empirical data, leading to expensive and ineffective measures. By prioritizing evidence-based crime policy, society can move away from zero-tolerance policing and mandatory minimums toward more effective, scientifically-backed methods that actually improve safety and optimize justice system spending.
Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco
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Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco
