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Criminology

Annenberg researchers use data science skills for social justice
Two incarcerated people seen from above and behind with their hands handcuffed behind their backs outside in a prison yard.

Annenberg researchers use data science skills for social justice

Data scientists at the Annenberg School for Communication are working with the Amistad Law Project to create an open access dashboard of data that can aid efforts to help the incarcerated communiy.

From Annenberg School for Communication, Ashton Yount

Did ‘defund the police’ lead to an increase in murder? Almost certainly not
Salon.com

Did ‘defund the police’ lead to an increase in murder? Almost certainly not

David Abrams of the Law School said the timing of a spike in murders corresponded with changes in policing and cities lifting pandemic stay-at-home orders. “I have not seen any analysis that has found a causal link between movements to change police funding and homicide rates in major cities,” he said.

How data science can win the debate on police reform
Magnifying glass on a thumbprint that is comprised of zeros and ones on a graphic background.

How data science can win the debate on police reform

Wharton’s Dean Knox discusses his research on racial bias in policing, and how retrospective data analysis can help inform future practices.

From Knowledge at Wharton

Special Report: As jails free thousands amid COVID-19, reform push takes root
Reuters

Special Report: As jails free thousands amid COVID-19, reform push takes root

David Abrams of the Law School weighed in on how crime rates have shifted during the pandemic. “It’s a real serious challenge to figure out because a lot of dramatic changes are happening at the same time,” he said.

Simple solutions reduce court no-shows, subsequent arrest warrants
Person standing outside of a brick building, in front of a lamppost and shrubbery, arms crossed.

Aurélie Ouss is the Jerry Lee Assistant Professor of Criminology in the Department of Criminology in the School of Arts & Sciences.

Simple solutions reduce court no-shows, subsequent arrest warrants

For low-level offenses in New York City, text nudges and a redesigned summons form decreased failure-to-appear rates by about 20% and led to 30,000 fewer arrest warrants over a three-year period.

Michele W. Berger

The pandemic has hindered many of the best ideas for reducing violence
The New York Times

The pandemic has hindered many of the best ideas for reducing violence

David Abrams of the Law School said it’s hard to explain changes in the rate of violent crimes amid the pandemic. “Any theory that’s really going to be convincing has to explain this unusual pattern,” he said.

The Quattrone Center: Less argument, more truth-seeking
Illustration of a Black hand with shackle around the wrist and paper in the palm folded like a crane.

Image: Melinda Beck/The Pennsylvania Gazette

The Quattrone Center: Less argument, more truth-seeking

The Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice is pioneering a systemic, data-driven approach to criminal justice reform. Its executive director, John Hollway, started with the idea that the law should function more like science.

The Pennsylvania Gazette