Criminology in Action: The Science of Evidence-Based Crime Policy
Explore the gap between evidence-based policy and tough on crime politics. Learn how applied criminology can transform justice system spending into safer streets.
Best quote from Criminology in Action: The Science of Evidence-Based Crime Policy
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.
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Criminology as an applied social science focusing on practical applications in policy and real-world impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
