I am a subject matter expert related to domestic and international criminal justice issues with a focus on providing assessments with actionable recommendations. I have an extensive background in understanding criminal justice systems, crime science, criminology, and implementation of criminal justice programs in developing countries and the United States. I have a diversity of skill sets to include designing and managing a variety of different research studies and evaluations, many with mixed methods approaches, designing and managing data collection efforts, and conducting data analysis, through various tools to include R and ArcGIS mapping. I have also developed and managed budgets, secured funding, possess proficient presentation skills as well as report writing of a variety of documents. I have also worked on drafting statements of work and reviewed contracts in support of procurement. I have worked with and in a variety of different law enforcement agencies across Africa and in the United States. My research interests include criminal justice policy reform, situational crime prevention, policing in Western and developing countries, environmental crime, and corruption. I also have extensive experience working at a local, state, and federal level related to advocacy efforts in support of marginalized and vulnerable communities. I earned my doctorate in the Fall of 2024 from the School of Criminal Justice at Rutgers-Newark University.
I am currently building and establishing a Research and Evaluation Unit at New York City’s Department of Correction where I have successfully launched evaluations to assist with training efforts for uniform staff and programming for individuals in custody. I have also been initiating research studies to identify and understand specific challenges and devise solutions for the Department. I am most interested in utilizing research and evidence-based solutions in support of ensuring the health, safety, and security for uniform staff and individuals in custody. I have also been working on publishing chapters of my dissertation related to exploring banditry in Nigeria which provides a unique approach related to data collection and analysis as well as highlighting actionable recommendations related to addressing banditry in Nigeria.
Professional Experience
As noted above, I have an extensive background in criminology and implementation of non-traditional criminal justice programs in developing countries. I have been a consultant with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to identify problems and solutions related to combating environmental crime and corruption. I have also managed an over $20 million police peacekeeping program at the State Department in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL). Through the implementation of this program, I worked extensively with the highest levels of law enforcement, the police and gendarmerie, in African partner countries, Ghana, Rwanda, and Senegal, as well as relevant offices in the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO) to deploy highly trained and qualified peacekeepers. While working at the World Bank (WBG), I managed a $2 million research grant on African elephant poaching and provided relevant subject matter expertise to combat wildlife crime internationally.
Diverse Background
Picture of Dr. Sara Thompson with Mr. Ali Dahani, her counterpart, holding a box of books that were purchased for the library.
Picture of moringa trees that were nurtured as seedlings in a protected garden before being planted.
While I have worked at well-respected institutions, I have also volunteered for a variety of different community organizations. I focus on producing deliverables that are accessible to everyone and include useful information and insight. From local problems to international issues, I am adept at communicating with individuals from a variety of different backgrounds and in different capacities. As examples, I successfully completed my two year Peace Corps service in Matiacoali, Burkina Faso where I focused on planting nutritious moringa trees to combat malnutrition by working with the local women’s garden and supporting the establishment of a library that held books in support of the local school curriculum and provided resources in local languages. These community efforts continued upon my return to the States where I have volunteered with local law enforcement agencies and participated in a variety of community discussions related to crime and oversight of local law enforcement as well as legislative and community-led reform efforts to increase access to accommodations for individuals who are hard of hearing and Deaf.