09-15-2008

Blumstein Testifies

Criminology expert Alfred Blumstein, the J. Erik Jonsson University Professor of Urban Systems and Operations Research and former dean of the Heinz School (1986-1993), testified at the U.S. Senate Committee judiciary hearing on "New Strategies for Combating Violent Crime: Drawing Lessons from Recent Experience" on Sept. 10. Blumstein proposed the establishment of a program to analyze successful approaches in cities and to replicate those methods to reduce violence where needed. He encouraged the development of technical assistance teams to work with law enforcement officials in cities experiencing an increase in violence. And he also suggested that resources be directed at early childhood development programs in high-risk neighborhoods.

Blumstein's research over the past 20 years has covered many aspects of criminal justice phenomena and policy, including crime measurement, criminal careers, sentencing, deterrence and incapacitation, demographic trends, juvenile violence and drug-enforcement policy. Blumstein received the 2007 Stockholm Prize in Criminology for his discoveries about the development of criminal behavior over the life-course of individuals.  

Bruce Gerson