ILR School Experts Weigh In at Crime Prevention Lecture
Experts fused theory with practice in a collaborative lecture at Buffalo State University's crime prevention class in November.
“The inclusion of this lecture in Professor Breen's course showed the need for interdisciplinary approaches in understanding and addressing crime prevention,” said Jodi Anderson Jr. “It offered students a unique opportunity to learn from practitioners who are actively engaged in transforming theoretical concepts into real-world solutions.”
The valuable insights came from Jodi Anderson Jr., director of technological innovation at Cornell ILR's Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative (CJEI) and Colleen Kristich, LMSW, senior community researcher at the Partnership for the Public Good.
Steve Peraza, Ph.D., organized and moderated the lecture, which took place at the behest of Associate Professor Dr. Clairissa D. Breen’s crime prevention class at Buffalo State University.
"Buffalo State University students received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with experts who are designing and implementing policies and programs that advance the public good for justice-involved people in Buffalo and Erie County,” said Peraza, senior research and policy associate at Cornell ILR’s Buffalo Co-Lab
Kristich spoke about the transformative role of community responder teams in developing alternatives to law enforcement, particularly in low-risk 911 calls related to health and social needs.
“Community responder teams across the country have connected people living on the street with permanent housing, helped those with addictions access treatment, provided for people’s basic needs, and talked people through some of the worst moments of their lives,” said Kristich.
This approach de-escalates potentially volatile situations and allows law enforcement to respond faster to higher-priority calls. It also reduces crimes related to public order and saves municipalities money.
“When community members call 911 for a health or social need, they deserve an immediate, effective, caring response from first responders who are equipped both personally and professionally with the appropriate skills,” said Kristich.
Anderson Jr. spoke about technology’s role in providing justice-involved individuals employment and education. He discussed innovative strategies to uphold the commitments of higher education institutions in their role as employers and educators.
“By harnessing technology, these institutions can more effectively fulfill their pledges and obligations to the communities they serve,” said Anderson Jr. “These are crucial opportunities for education and employment to those impacted by the justice system.”
Kristich's community-based mental health interventions and Anderson Jr.’s technology as a tool for social mobility revealed a unique approach to crime prevention and rehabilitation.
Above all, Anderson Jr. and Kristich showed how academic courses can benefit from integrating real-world experiences and expertise. Thanks to Peraza, Breen and Buffalo State University, the lecture gave students an understanding of crime prevention by combining theory and practice.