Al Blumstein: 40 Years of Contributions to Criminal Justice

• NCJ Number: 218260
• Journal: National Institute of Justice Journal Issue: 257 Dated: June 2007 Pages: 14-18
• Date Published: June 2007
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Series: NIJ Journal
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Type: Biography

Annotation

This article pays tribute to the work of Professor Alfred Blumstein, who led the President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice when it wrote its pivotal 1967 report on how to improve public safety in the United States.

Abstract

Professor Blumstein has been described as bringing reason and practicality to scientific discussions. He was a pivotal figure in shaping criminal justice policies and practices in the United States during the 21st century. His work spans an impressive range of topics, including crime measurement, criminal careers, sentencing, deterrence and incapacitation, prison populations, demographic trends, juvenile violence, and drug enforcement policy. He is perhaps best known for his research on the links between violence, public health, and criminology and his work has significantly contributed to the understanding of violence as a public health concern as well as a criminological phenomenon. He was also instrumental in bringing “systems analysis” to criminal justice in the United States. Brief descriptions of his most significant research projects are presented followed by a series of personal accounts of how Professor Blumstein has touched the lives of others.