Senior Research Scientist
Justin J. Smith was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida. He received a Ph.D. in criminal justice from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Justin’s dissertation, “Innovation Resistance? Understanding Officer Attitudes Toward Police Innovation,” reported the key findings of a mixed-method study he devised that involved primary data collection. He surveyed and interviewed police officers regarding their opinions toward innovations such as community-oriented policing and crime analysis. Prior to receiving his doctorate, Justin received Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in criminal justice, both from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. He is also a graduate of Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts where he majored in theater. Justin has authored several peer-reviewed publications. He has presented at national conferences, such as the American Society of Criminology and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, and regional conferences such as the Southern Criminal Justice Association. He has taught undergraduate courses such as Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Famous Crimes and Trials. His primary research interests include police innovation and culture, environmental criminology, and situational crime prevention. In his off hours, Justin enjoys exercising, watching classic films, and spending time with his family.