Changing Faderal Probation and Parole Policy and Practice through Research

• In Event: Rutgers at 50: Choosing a Non-traditional Career Path after Completing the PhD

Abstract

After completing the Ph.D., Dr. Cohen spent 10 years as a statistician at the Bureau of Justice Statistics before transitioning to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. There, he worked as a social science analyst in the Probation and Pretrial Services office for 10 years before being promoted to management. There, his research has significantly influenced how federal probation and pretrial officers perform their duties. His work has shown how supervision intensity and terms lengths can be reduced without compromising public safety, transforming federal probation practices. Seeing the real-world impact on how people are supervised has been incredibly rewarding. This potential for my research to drive policy decisions and improve practices is precisely why I pursued a non-academic career.

Author

• Thomas Cohen, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts – Probation and Pretrial Services Office