Jennifer Schulenberg

My research interests are primarily in the areas of policing, youth crime, and the use of informal and formal social control in the criminal justice system. My passion is working with students and bridging the divide between research and police practice.

Have you ever wondered how a police officer decides whether to lay a criminal charge or issue a warning? What about the most effective way to respond to chronic young offenders? What can we do differently to reduce the over-representation of mentally ill and Aboriginal persons in our criminal justice system? What do key stakeholders see as needed to improve our police complaints system and how allegations of misconduct are investigated?

In my experience working with practitioners in this field, research needs to have utility in the "real world". I am very praxis oriented and seek to apply theoretical explanations and empirical findings to improve how we prevent and respond to antisocial and criminal behaviour.

On a more personal note, I practice the "just do - don't think" mantra when life feels too hectic and the "don't put off until later what can take under a minute to do". Oh...and then there are my 'To Do' lists! Did someone say coffee? Never a dull moment and loving every minute of it.