Andrea Montes

Andrea Montes is an Associate Professor in the School of Criminology & Criminal Justice at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions. She holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Florida State University (2018), Florida State University (2014), and Arizona State University (2012), respectively. Her research focuses on corrections, correctional punishment, school safety, and policing, examining how organizational aspects of justice systems influence crime prevention and punishment practices. Recent work explores privatized corrections, disparities in incarceration, and the role of school resource officers.

• Education: Ph.D. 2018, M.S. 2014 (Florida State University); B.S. 2012 (ASU)

Her research interests include privatized corrections, school safety, and the intersection of schools and juvenile justice. She employs mixed-methods approaches to bridge gaps between scholarship and practice, with a focus on systemic inequities in corrections and policing. Notable areas of inquiry include the effects of pretrial detention, racial disparities in sentencing, and the ethical implications of privatized incarceration facilities.

Montes teaches courses like 'Introduction to Corrections' and 'Seminar on CJ Policy & Practice.' Her publications analyze topics such as school policing dynamics, inmate experiences in private vs. public facilities, and the paradox of law enforcement roles in educational settings. She has contributed to debates on media representations of private prisons and policy reforms aimed at improving school safety without over-policing youth.

Her work emphasizes practical policy solutions and challenges systemic barriers in corrections, advocating for evidence-based practices to enhance justice system effectiveness and reduce harm.